Ronald’s Obituary Plaistow, NH: Ronald F. Ruggiero was born on August 6, 1939 in Somerville, MA, the son of Francis and Edith Ruggiero. A longtime resident of Windham and Plaistow, NH, he died in hospice care in Pinehurst, NC, February 13, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan A. (Miara) Ruggiero of Plaistow and numerous nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces and countless close friends who reside in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
After a raucous engagement with the Somerville public school system, Ron transferred to Medford High School, graduating in 1957 from the vocational school with a specialty in cabinet making. Soon after graduation he married, Joan and they settled in Medford, MA. In 1962, Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army in which he served honorably for two years, one of which was spent patrolling the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
Raised in the contentious environment of Somerville’s ethnic antagonisms, Ron nevertheless engaged the Koreans he lived among with an open heart and generous spirit, characteristics he would carry with him throughout his life. He returned with numerous tales of the warmth and generosity of the Korean people. For almost 20 years, Ron served as owner/president of Windham, NH-based B&M Fence Company, a wholesale distributor of fencing materials serving clients throughout New England.
The business was enormously successful eventually selling the business to a national firm in of the early 1990s forced its closure. He then founded Custom Quality Wood Working, returning to his first vocation, cabinet and furniture making, producing products of extraordinary artistry and beauty. He operated the business from a shop next to his home in Plaistow until a debilitating illness forced his retirement.
Ron generously served his community through the Plaistow Lions Club, participating in numerous fundraising activities for various causes as well as offering assistance to individuals in need. An avid golfer, Ron for several years organized an annual golf tournament which raised thousands of dollars for the Rockingham County Meals on Wheels program. To his family and friends, Ron is remembered as a warm, witty, intelligent and kind family man who made strong friendships with enviable ease.
Whether working, playing poker or golf, Ron blended seamlessly with longtime buddies and new acquaintances, winning admiration for his skill and engaging manner. He was beloved by his wife Joan and his mother-in-law, Josephine Herbert, with whom he lived for close to 30 years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Ron’s life at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 187 East Rd.
, Hampstead, NH, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 31. Following the service, burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, MA. A luncheon will follow at Bocelli’s Ristorante, 374 Main St, Medford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s name to St. Christopher’s Church, 187 East Rd, Hampstead, NH. 03841. To leave a message of condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.
brooksidechapelfh.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
