William John Ruggiero: A Life of Service, Passion, and Faith
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William John Ruggiero of Taunton and Onset, Massachusetts, a remarkable man who touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his journey.
William was born in Newton, Massachusetts on January 6, 1948, the Feast of the Epiphany. He was the loving and cherished husband of Brenda Joyce Riva Ruggiero. They met as teenagers and continued their love story for 49 years of marriage. His parents were the late Marie Grassia Ruggiero and John J. Ruggiero of Watertown. He is survived by his dear children, Brianne Gore and her husband Javin of Dorchester, Massachusetts and Ryan Ruggiero and his partner Peter Michalewski of Englewood, New Jersey. “Grand-daddy” was adored by his two cherished grandsons, Tabor William Gore and Maddox Francis Gore. He is survived by his brother Richard Ruggiero and wife Deborah of Berkley, his brother-in-law Randall Riva and his wife Diane of Winchester, his sister-in-law, Cynthia Riva Sullivan and her husband Patrick Sullivan of Taunton and many special nieces and nephews.
William graduated from Watertown High School in 1965 where he played football and basketball. His junior high hockey team won the Massachusetts State Championship. In 1969, he graduated from UMASS Boston cum laude with a history and education major. He continued his education at Boston State College earning a Master’s Degree in Education. He began his career as a middle-school teacher at the Oliver Wendell Holmes School in Dorchester, where he taught history. He was recognized as the “Boston Teacher of the Year,” a testament to his passion for shaping young minds. He later took the reins of the Riva family restaurant,
“The Gondola,” for 20 years showcasing his incredible talents as a chef and manager.
William's path in life was marked by dedication, honor, and service. Following in the footsteps of his father, he proudly served in the Air Force National Guard, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge.
As an educator, William left an indelible mark. William's devotion to education extended to his roles from Boston Public Schools to Taunton Catholic Middle School, Coyle and Cassidy, and as the Principal of St. Mary's Primary School. There, he initiated the cherished tradition of the "Windows of St. Mary's," adorning the City of Taunton with messages of hope and faith for all to see. His message to all his students was to be “a window person, not a mirror person.” He also established the Championship Basketball Camp for the students in Taunton where players learned skills and drills in the summer. In his retirement, he substituted at Friedman Middle School where he would share his talent of inspiring young minds.
Not only an educator but also an accomplished coach, William claimed victory as a Men’s softball coach for the Gondola Restaurant winning the Massachusetts State Championship in 1973. Just last month, an article in the Taunton Daily Gazette, featured the lead story on this accomplishment. His determination knew no
bounds, as he even championed a Legislative Bill with his seventh grade students at TCMS along with
Senator Marc Pacheco to have the quahog be named the state shellfish, teaching his students the intricate workings of lawmaking.
William's faith was a cornerstone of his life, attending church faithfully and serving as a Confirmation sponsor to many of his students. He prayed the Rosary daily in his devotion to Our Lady, and his grace before meals always culminating with a heartfelt blessing for the sick and homeless.
Committed to community service, William dedicated his time to the St. Vincent DePaul Center, exemplifying his desire to give back in every way possible. He also was involved in the Food Pantry at Coyle Cassidy along with Mike Cote, helping to feed the community of Taunton.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Brenda, and they were fortunate to travel extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Pompano Beach, Florida was also a favorite place that he frequented every winter. In the summer, he lived at his summer home in Point Independence where he loved lobstering, quahogging, boating on the Whaler, water-skiing, kayaking and digging for steamers. He enjoyed playing cards immensely. Some of the games included cribbage, 45, Rob the Old Man’s Pack, and kitty whist and his favorite passion: “Bill’s Volleyball”. He thoroughly enjoyed beating the “Stuffers” along with Willie Gay, his other “Bill” partner. Their favorite expression was: “The Bills are Great”!
For the past few years, Billy was an exceptional coach who left a lasting impact on the sports he loved, specifically his grandchildren's Dorchester baseball team. Whether it was football, basketball, or baseball, his dedication and passion for coaching shone through. His ability to teach not only the intricacies of the game but also the importance of respect for officials and umpires set him apart. His players learned not only the skills needed to excel on the field but also valuable life lessons about sportsmanship and integrity. His legacy as a coach will be remembered not just for the wins and championships but for the respect and values he instilled in those he coached.
A wake in memory of William will be held on Friday, September 15th, at Saint Mary’s Church in Taunton from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. On Saturday, September 16th, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in his honor at 10:00 A.M. A burial will immediately follow in the family lot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton.
In strict lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Dorchester Baseball or The St. Vincent DePaul Society honoring William's legacy of service and his love for the game.
Donations to Dorchester Baseball can be made using the following:
[email protected]
or mailed to:
Dorchester Baseball
19 Bushnell Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
? The William Ruggiero Scholarship Fund
Donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society can be mailed to:
St. Mary’s, St. Vincent DePaul Taunton Conference
In Memory of William Ruggiero
141 Washington Street
Taunton, MA 02780
William John Ruggiero will be deeply missed, but his impact on our lives and the community will be remembered with gratitude and admiration for generations to come.
Link video: https://vimeo.com/user207455584/williamjohnruggiero