Richard S. Ruggiero

Richard Salvador Ruggiero, age 69, a native of Utica and currently a resident of Hamburg, NY, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his loved ones by his side. Born in Utica on September 20, 1944, Richard was the son of the late Thomas J. and Theresa F. (Passalacqua) Ruggiero. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and was proud to be the first Class President of the class of 1962. He was a NY State Regents Scholar. He commenced his college education at Niagara University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1966. He then pursued his post-graduate studies at Colgate University, Syracuse University, and SUNY College of Technology; 36 graduate hours: New York State Permanent Certification in Secondary English. On July 2, 1966, he married the former Janis E. Ziolkowski. Richard’s professional and civic careers spanned 46 years. He entered the work world as a teacher in the Utica City School District, a position he held for 15 years. He then dedicated himself to Public Service, serving 2 terms as a City Councilman in the City of Utica, and serving 3 terms in the NY State Legislature as a Member of the Assembly. In this capacity, he served as Chairman of a Statewide Task Force on University/Industry Cooperation and the Promotion of High Technology Industries, Chairman of an Assembly Task Force on the SUNY College of Technology; where he was able to secure $50 million dollars to build the campus for the SUNY College of Technology; an achievement of which he was very proud and which was one of the highlights of his career; developed and passed landmark legislation including the establishment of Centers for Advanced Technology throughout NY State and the creation of “contract courses” in community colleges which developed specific training programs for industry within their regions; served on key legislative committees including Higher Education, Transportation, Small Business, Insurance, Agriculture, Cities, Labor, Racing and Wagering, Drunk Driving and Public/Private Cooperation. Richard served as Vice President, Treasurer and Board Chairman of T. J. Liberty Liquors, Inc. and a Partner in Glacier Isle Ice Cream Co. After his tenure in the Assembly, Richard worked as a Marketing Consultant for the Gateway Trade Center, Inc. and currently was employed as an Account/Public Relations Representative for Buffalo Crushed Stone, Inc. Richard was listed in Who’s Who in the East and Who’s Who in American Politics. He was a former member of the Board of Directors at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, The Crisis Program, Albany, NY, Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce and Compeer West. He also served as a former member of the Board of Directors for Our Lady of Victory Hospital, the Boys Club of Utica, the Parish Council at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY, the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, the Knights of Columbus 4th degree and the Sons of Italy in America. Richard was a lector at Our Lady of Victory Basilica for the past 25 years. As a youngster he was also privileged and pleased to be affiliated with the Ridgewood Raiders, one of the first sandlot baseball teams that has been chronicled and archived at the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. He was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY. Richard is survived by his wife, Janis; and his sister, Elaine R. Altamuro of Utica. He cherished the memory of his beloved brother, Thomas J. Ruggiero, Jr. who passed away in 2007. Also left to mourn his departure are his many nieces and nephews, including Tricia Ruggiero, Tracey Ruggiero, Tammy (Harry) Allman, Bill Ruggiero, Thomas J. Ruggiero III, Shari (Michael) Vigneau, and Marc Altamuro; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Brittany Bonner, Connor Vigneau, Evan Richard Vigneau and Rocco Ruggiero. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Buffalo, NY for their loving and compassionate care. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica, NY. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal prayers and Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY.

Richard S. Ruggiero

September 20, 1944 - July 24, 2014