James J. Ruggiero, Jr.

     James J. Ruggiero, Jr., age 80 and beloved husband of Ada Rossi Ruggiero, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 31.  “J”, as he was known, was born in Norwalk on July 10, 1935, the son of the late James Ruggiero, Sr. and the late Regina Sparandeo Ruggiero, and lived here all of his life.  J graduated from Norwalk High School in 1954 and was a veteran of the Korean War having served with the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was a former office manager for the 2nd and 1st District Water Departments in Norwalk and a traffic coordinator for the New Canaan Public Schools.  J also was a proud bus driver of special needs children in New Canaan.  He was a past president and life member of the St. Ann Society in Norwalk.  He was also a life member of the South Norwalk Boat Club and a member of the American Legion.  J was devoted to his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed gardening, wine making and was the family grill master.

     In addition to his wife Ada, survivors include three daughters, Diane Ruggiero of Norwalk, Christine Ruggiero of Daytona, FL and Lisa Ruggiero of Norwalk, three grandchildren, George, Samantha and Brianna, great grandchild J.J., niece Paula Fillow and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was also predeceased by a brother Louis Ruggiero.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 10 AM at St. Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry St., New Canaan.  Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery in Norwalk.  The Ruggiero family will receive friends at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk on Friday from 4-8 PM. The St. Ann Club will gather at the funeral home at 7 PM.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/) or the American Legion, 60 County St., Norwalk, CT, 06851.  

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