Name: Visitation for Antonio T. J. Ruggiero
Start: 2016-04-18T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-04-18T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. - Care Center

Antonio Thomas James Ruggiero, age 95, died unexpectedly on April 14, 2016, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. He was the devoted husband of Mary C. (Capozucca) Ruggiero. Born in Plymouth, August 25, 1920, he was a son of the late Vincent and Lucia (Detrani) Ruggiero. He was educated in Plymouth schools, a graduate of Plymouth High School. Tommy enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country proudly with the 2nd Ranger Battalions D Company. He was in the Invasion of Normandy in June of 1944 as well as the Battle of the Bulge. He was recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the highest honor from the French Government the Croixleguere and French Medal of Merit. He was a member of the VFW Post 1822 and the American Legion Post 40 in Plymouth. Following his years of service Tommy went home to Plymouth where he joined the Plymouth Fire Department. He earned the rank of Captain and served the community from 1947 until retiring in 1975. Besides leaving his wife of 68 years, he was the loving father of Karen M. Ruggiero of Plymouth; and was brother of the late Nicholas Ruggiero and his wife Mary F. Ruggiero as well as Jenny White and her husband Joseph White. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will take place in the Cartmell Funeral Home Monday, April 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will take place Tuesday from the Cartmell Funeral Home at 9:15 followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Peters Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Vine Hills Cemetery, Plymouth. Donations in his memory may be made to the Plymouth Veterans Dept., Nook Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360. For online guest book and directions, visit www.cartmelldavis.com.

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Published by Old Colony Memorial from Apr. 16 to Apr. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Antonio Ruggiero

Sponsored by Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. - Care Center.

28 Entries

Joseph Sullivan

December 31, 2024

I am saddened that I never got to shake the hand of this great man from the greatest generation even though I only lived the next town over. If you ever want to read about the exploits of this man´s heroism look no further than the book: Dog Company: The Boys of Pointe du Hoc-the Rangers Who Accomplished D-Day's Toughest Mission and Led the Way across Europe. I will be purchasing multiple copies of this book to donate to local libraries. God bless this man and the many like them who traded their youth and often their lives for the freedom of us all. May you tap dance in heaven with our eternal gratitude surround by our lords love while in the company of friends and loved ones.

Eileen Saint Lauren

June 22, 2016

God lights our path. This candle is in memory of not only Antonio but now for his beloved wife, Mary, who just joined him in Heaven on 6/21/16. May God comfort their beloved daughter, Karen, today and always until the three meet again in Glory.

April 27, 2016

Dear Karen,
So sorry to learn of your dads. Passing. Enjoyed his company and friendship at Plymouth Country Club as a young member. Quite a guy. Know how proud you must have been to have him as your dad.
Chad Forman

Ruth Tobin

April 24, 2016

The faily of the late John " Toby " Tobin who was with Tommy on June 6 1944 and were friends over the years send there regards

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Eileen Saint Lauren

April 21, 2016

Greetings Karen & Mary, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and husband. He lived a long and happy life. How many people are decorated with the Purple Heart by President Ronald? How many people are honored by the country of France and saluted by the President Barack Obama? And how many people meet Tom Hanks because he starred in the movie about them? Just one your father! God bless you both and comfort you during this very difficult time and until you meet with him again in heaven. Take care, with love, Eileen Saint Lauren, Chapel Hill, NC.

Eileen Saint Lauren

April 20, 2016

Greetings Karen,
I am deeply sorry to hear that you and Mary have lost the most important person in both your lives. He had a good life with great accomplishments.
How many people get to meet and be decorated by President Ronald Reagan, fly to France and be decorated by that country and meet the Obamas? And have a movie made about him starring Tom Hanks? Just Tim! Remember the good and happy times for he had a long and happy life take care, with love, Eileen

Gina Anthony

April 18, 2016

Antonio TJ Ruggiero wasn't just a good man, he was a great incredible human being! He will be sorely missed.My love goes out to his wonderful wife Mary and his loving daughter (my friend ) Karen. God Bless you both.Gina Anthony

Bill Mazalewski & Janet Murley

April 18, 2016

It was a pleasure to work with Tom in the fire department. May you rest in peace..

michael best .sr

April 18, 2016

to my mother in law and karen, sorry for your loss

Bob Crone

April 17, 2016

Capt. (Tom) , it was a pleasure and an honor knowing you for the short time I did and for having been given the same opportunity as you to serve our country and our town. You are a true patriot and will be appropriately honored this Patriots Day. May fond memories console your family and friends .

Vince Hagg

April 18, 2016

TO Ruggies Family; I am very sorry to hear of my buddy, he was a great soldier and a terrific friend. we had a chance to relate about some fond memories at Washington DC last year and he was not feeling well. My whole army career was with him in D Company I will never forget him. I am deeply sorry for you as I know he loved his family very much. I am sorry I was not able to attend his funeral. a fellow Ranger Vince Hagg D- Company 2nd Ranger BN. ww2 PS My best friend JOE KEIRN is using his E-Mail for me

Joann Zanco

April 17, 2016

A sweet man, he will be missed.

Joann Zanco

April 17, 2016

A sweet man, he will be missed.

Paul Foulsham

April 17, 2016

Dear Mary and Karen, Please accept my heartfelt sympathies in this time of sorrow. Tom gladly served his country in its time of need as a Ranger and his town as a firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain. I will miss our times together but the memories will last forever. Thank you for letting me enter your lives and know it was an honor and a privilege to call Tom my friend.

Ann Shea

April 17, 2016

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for my childhood neighbor, a courageous, loving, honest, and hard-working man.

Deborah Cohen

April 17, 2016

Dear Mary and Karen, saddened to read of Tom's passing. You had a long and wonderful life together. He was a Plymouth Icon, his service and loyalty to his country and to Plymouth. My sincerest sympathies to you and family. Debbie Cohen

Rick Botieri

April 16, 2016

It was a privilege to have know him.My condolences to his family.It is now time to celebrate his life...So sorry Mary and Karen..

April 16, 2016

Aunt Mary & Karen, we are so sorry to hear about Uncle Tommy's passing. He was a wonderful man, a great husband and father and will be greatly missed. He is now with all his Ranger buddies. We will always remember the good times growing up and spending time with all of you. Please know you are in our prayers. May your many happy memories along with prayers of friends and family be of some comfort to you. God Bless, Donna & Dominick Sparaco

Warren Cabral

April 16, 2016

Rest in Peace, Mr. Ruggiero-- You were a brave soldier, an outstanding Ranger, and a fine man. Another of the greatest generation that will be missed by all of us.

Pam Gatto

April 16, 2016

Prayers to your family for the loss of this hero. My dad was also a 2nd Battallion Ranger in WWII.

Linda Tomasi

April 16, 2016

Karen, we are sorry to hear about the loss of your father and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. with love, Linda , Adam and Ariana

Jack Williams

April 16, 2016

Ruggie was a true American hero, who went about life without excuses. His tenacity was carefully controlled, but never far from beneath the surface. I loved the man and will miss our hours of talks.
Jack Williams -- formerly of WBZ TV

Joyce Rogers

April 16, 2016

Thank you for your service in the US Army WWII. What a hero you are. RIP.

Barbara Best

April 16, 2016

Here Comes a big Daddy. I said that when I was sleeping over in your room Karen, when he was coming to tuck us in. He was a big man indeed and his memory will always shine bright. Love to you and your Mom. Love,

Andrea Boucher Nedley

April 16, 2016

Mary and Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Ruggeiro. I have some great memories of him. Always kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Maurouard

April 16, 2016

It is with a great sadness that I heard that my friend Ruggie passed away .I will never forget the good time we had together and your sense of humor ...we will Never forget what you did for our country and for our freedom .Rangers lead the way ! My sincere condolences to his wife and his daughter Karen . Maurouard's family

Jeff and Melodie Carter

April 16, 2016

One more of the Great Generation passes ! God places people in your life for reasons. Many of us of the PFD learned and work with him. He was a most WWII vets was some what quiet about his service during the war. As he got older we learned so much more of his experiences. He was the definition of the Great Generation. Humble, modest, committed, dedicated. Strong in the hardest situations, compassionate and caring. Those of us who are privileged to call him a brother will not forget how he lived his life. Rest easy my friend, God speed, see ya on the top floor! jeff and mel

Tony and Kathy Thompson

April 15, 2016

Another large void is left in the Plymouth FD. Tommy was a fixture every week visiting at least one of the fire houses even though he has been retired for almost 40 years! I'll always remember my mom referring to him as "the younger man" who would ferry her to all of the armed services meetings around town each week. Growing up all of us kids living on "Civil Service hill" (Royal Street) would all rush to the street corner when the fire whistles would blow and witness you and John Seaver, Alvin Decost and Marty McCauley pile into some ones Willys jeep and report for recall. You were a good firefighter, father and man. I will miss you neighbor, brother and friend.

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