Richard (Dick) Ruggiero, age 81, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, November 9, 2024 at home surrounded by family. He was born February 22, 1943 in Milford, MA, son of the late Anthony & Mary Ruggiero and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and hard work. Dick attended Milford High School and earned his AS from Worcester Junior College. He started his career at Dychro in 1961, chasing after his childhood interest in electronics. He continued his career at 3C and eventually retired from Honeywell, where he met his loving wife, Janet. In his retirement he found fulfillment and took pride in his work in real estate, enjoying both the responsibilities and rewards that came with property ownership.
Dick was a man who could talk to anyone, often making friends with strangers and he was always interested in learning about the lives of others. He was especially gifted at connecting with the younger generation, offering wisdom, humor and warmth.
His favorite place to be was with family and friends at home on Lake Cochituate. In later years, Dick & Janet enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod, where they met wonderful new neighbors who quickly became good friends. He especially loved sitting on his front porch greeting everyone who passed by with a friendly wave.
In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his beloved son, Richard and brothers-in-law Paul Lavallee and Pasquale Moro. He is survived by his wife, Janet Ruggiero, daughters Hope Ann (Samuel) Perkins, Renee Oliveira, Kristin (Jason) Streicher; grandchildren Morgan (Eric) Mason, Zachary Perkins, Samuel (Marissa) Perkins, Logan Oliveira, Anna Campagnolo and Mia Campagnolo; great-grandchildren Grace, Beau and Tate Perkins; sisters Grace Lavallee and Ann Moro, brother Robert (Maria) Ruggiero and finally his best furry pal, Buddy.
A calling hour will be held Saturday November 23, 2024 from 10:30 to 11:30am at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St., Milford, MA, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00pm at Sacred Heart Church 187 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA. Burial will follow at Hopedale Village Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Good Shepherd Community Care of Newton, MA or The Massachusetts SPCA.