…WWII Navy Vet; Tewksbury Housing carpenter; 91
TEWKSBURY - Antonio “Tony” Ruggiero, 91, who lived a wonderful life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died peacefully on Saturday, January 26, at L.G.H., Saints Campus, with his family at his side. He was the beloved husband of Aleiouse (Eaton) Ruggiero, with whom he had celebrated a seventy-first wedding anniversary this past April 1st.
Tony was born in East Boston, one of five children of the late Genaro and Barbara (Marino) Ruggiero, was raised in East Boston, and had lived in Tewksbury most of his life. He was a World War II Navy veteran, began his career at B.F. Goodrich in Watertown, worked for Lowell’s Carpenter’s Union Local 49, and retired as maintenance man and carpenter from the Tewksbury Housing Authority.
Tony was an active member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks Lodge #2070. He was always bringing his family and friends to all the Elk’s dances and holiday events.
Tony loved watching all sports especially his New England teams, building furniture and décor for his friend’s and family’s homes, working outside in his yard, but mostly loved spending time with his family. His family was his life. He had a great sense of humor and was always trying to make everyone laugh.
Besides his wife, he is survived by six children; daughter Judith “Judy” Ferreira and her husband Gary of Lowell, son Anthony S. “Tony” Ruggiero and his wife Terry (Ballou) of Londonderry, NH, daughters Linda Ruggiero of Concord, NC, and Jeri Wesson of Hudson, NH, sons, John F. Ruggiero of Londonderry, NH, and Daniel T. “Dan” Ruggiero of Chelmsford; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; his sisters, Janet Ort and Rosalie Holt and her husband Bill all of Revere; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his parents; sister Florence Picariello; and brother Carmen Ruggiero.
Visiting hours Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Hone, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, Ph. (800 in MA OR 978) 851 2950. His Funeral will begin Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Dorothy’s Church, corner of Harnden and Main Sts. (Rte. 38) Wilmington. Burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Cemetery will be on Friday, Feb. 1. Visit: tewksburyfuneralhome.com