Stephen C. Ruggia

TERRYVILLE, CT Stephen C. Ruggia "Beloved son, brother, uncle & friend" Stephen C. Ruggia, 41, of Terryville, entered into the gates of heaven on Monday, January 20, 2025, peacefully at his home in Terryville, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Stephen was born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 22, 1983, to the late Domenico Ruggia and Diane (Cavaliere) Ruggia. A proud Italian from Philadelphia, Stephen was a lifelong and devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, and all things Italian. He was the true definition of a "foodie" and always had a new restaurant to try. He loved music, soft serve ice cream, Philly cheesesteaks & hoagies, and anything Reeses. He worked for American Roller in Waterbury as a plasma coater until his illness, and was also a dedicated member of both the Bristol Elks Lodge #1010, and the Bristol Polish American Club. A man of few words, Stephen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family as well as his friends' dogs, Maverick, Daisy, Beau & Harley Quinn. He enjoyed the annual fishing trip with his friends, as well as the family vacations, which he looked forward to with great anticipation. Stephen was a dedicated, hard worker and took great pride in what he had. Stephen especially adored his nieces and nephews, and his love for them was immeasurable. He was an avid Lego enthusiast, often spending hours creating intricate Lego masterpieces. Stephen had been eagerly saving for a family trip to Italy and Ireland this summer, a journey his family will take in his honor. Stephen's mother, Diane, her husband, Wayne, and his family were unwavering in their dedication to Stephen. Their constant support and love were an essential part of helping Stephen navigate his struggles and limitations from his illness, and their devotion to him will always be remembered. Stephen is survived by his mother, Diane Ruggia and her husband, Wayne Linares of South Glastonbury; his siblings, Michael A. Ruggia and his wife Michele of Wolcott, and Lauren Baran and her husband Christian of Bristol; as well as his beloved nieces, Alexa and Brianna, his nephews Anthony and Marco, and many close friends who will miss him dearly. Arrangements: Calling hours for Stephen will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 12:00 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. Burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Stephen's name to: Humane Society, Bristol Elks or the cancer research team at Smilow. Smilow cancer research donations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/3zzjh9jn to "Dr. Nicholas Blondin research fund". These donations will directly support Stephen's cancer doctor and his teams efforts to research brain cancer and ultimately develop better treatments.