Obituary of Joseph Andrew Ruggiero

It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Andrew Ruggiero on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 at the age of 94. Over the last several years, Joe had been suffering from Alzheimer’s and passed away at Danbury Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born in North Haven, CT on May 22, 1926, Joe was one of ten children - second to last - and was instrumental in helping his family during the early years of his life. He worked various jobs immediately after high school to help support his mother, as his father had passed when he was just 15. Joe joined the National Guard in 1949 and was deployed twice, serving four years in Germany in the 43rd division and earned the rank of Sergeant during the end of WWII.

After serving our country, Joe was employed by the “Grand Union” supermarket in Danbury as a general manager for many years, where he fell in love with Jacqueline Sullivan. The two married on August 1, 1962 in Danbury, CT, where they raised their two children John and Suzanne.

Joe found his passion in the automobile industry and - due to his charismatic personality - won virtually every award, being recognized countless times by Chrysler as one of the top salesmen in the country.  When not working, Joe enjoyed tending to the yard, spending time visiting family in New Haven, going out to Chuck’s for lobster tails, walking the dogs, watching the New York Mets and New York Giants, and later in life, spending time with his 4 grandchildren: Johnathan, Samantha, Alexander, and Nicholas.

Joe is preceded by his father (John), mother (Carmela), and his siblings Josephine (Gus), Nellie (Jack), Carl, Rosie (John), Angelo, Tony, and Lucy (Louie).

Joe is survived by his wife Jacqueline Ruggiero of Danbury, CT; daughter Suzanne Lanteri of Southington, CT; son John Ruggiero (Jeannie) of New Fairfield, CT along with grandchildren Alexander, Nicholas, Johnathan and Samantha.

Joe lived a full life and will certainly be missed by family and all who knew him.

“Sleep Warm”  -Frank Sinatra

Love, Jackie

Calling hours for family and friends will be on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 9:00am -10:00am at Cornell Memorial Home located at 247 White Street, Danbury, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30am at St. Peters Church located at 104 Main Street, Danbury.