Scott Richard Ruggiero 1969-2018 It is with our deepest sadness to report the passing of our beloved son, father and brother. Scott passed away September 1, 2018 suddenly from complications of a recently diagnosed rare blood disorder. He was born December 6, 1969 on Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, whereupon he moved to Napa at the age of 4 with his parents when they were discharged from the military.
Scott attended St. John’s Catholic School, Mt. George Elementary School, Silverado Middle School, and graduated from Napa High School in 1988. Scott was passionate about everything that he did; he was a tremendous athlete: playing football, baseball and basketball from an early age through high school.
We found great joy watching Scott play victoriously: on his fly league baseball team when he pitched in the City championship game; later he was the quarterback of the Napa Chargers when they won the state championship game and later, when he played on the Sheriff’s baseball team when they won the city championship. In high school he was a diehard Napa Indian, playing point guard on the basketball team, wide receiver on the football team and pitcher/shortstop on the baseball team. He held the ERA record for pitching at Napa High for many years, which we are extremely proud of.
Besides being an exceptional athlete, Scott was also a natural academic all through school, maintaining an exemplary grade point average. Most of all he was a humble person in regard to his God given talents and accomplishments. We have been so blessed to have had him for the 48 years he lived.
He not only was devout in his dedication for his family, but he also had a work ethic like no other. He was someone we all could depend on and we will continue to be immensely proud of him for the rest of our lives. Besides his loyalty and dedication to his family, Scott’s passion was always athletics.
He loved all sports deeply and continued on an athletic path into his adult life where he coached JV football and baseball at Napa High School. Coaching is what he loved most and it brought him so much joy to see young athletes grow and prosper. Scott loved working with kids and making them as best as they could be while also ensuring that they enjoyed their experience.
We know he dreamed of doing it again someday. Scott would study sports to the point that he was literally a walking encyclopedia of statistics. It was amazing to ask him a question about a player on some off-the-wall college basketball team and he could recite what the player’s stats were and what high school they attended.
It didn’t matter what sport it was – Scott knew and studied them all – he truly loved the game. Beginning in the 7th grade, Scott got a part time job working at Economy Meat Market as a cleanup boy. Over time, he learned the meat cutting trade where he worked at the meat market all throughout high school and became a first class meat cutter.
After high school, Food 4 Less was opening a new store near American Canyon where he was hired in the meat department and began a career there that lasted 22 years. After a few years, he was quickly promoted to meat department manager where he was very successful. Furthering his meat cutting career, he was offered a new opportunity at Browns Valley Market.
After consulting with his family, he decided to make the move to Brown’s Valley’s Meat Department. Scott loved it. He met so many fantastic people while working the meat counter and was genuinely happy to be there.
We are so appreciative of the Brown’s Valley Market family for their care and support of Scott. Scott leaves behind a large family that loved him beyond measure, which no words can express. He is survived by his parents Ron and Linda Ruggiero, his sisters Sarah Ruggiero-Baldock and husband Matt, Leah Ruggiero-Bushby and husband Tanner, Ashley Ruggiero, Amanda Ruggiero-Proctor and husband Ryan, his five children, Cassondra AKA Sonny Ruggiero, Scott Ruggiero, Jaycie Ruggiero, Addison Ruggiero and Ryan Ruggiero.
Four nephews, two nieces and numerous Uncles, Aunts and cousins also survive him. Services will be held at Tulocay mortuary in Napa on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM, viewing will be from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at the facility.
Keep in mind that Scott’s favorite clothes were shorts, a tank top and flip-flops – so casual can be the dress code. We ask that you don’t send flowers; a Scott Ruggiero Memorial Scholarship Fund has been set up at Napa High School – our hope is this scholarship will keep Scott’s legacy alive for many years to come. It will be a tremendous honor to annually award a student athlete this award that embodies Scott’s character – one who excels not only athletically, but also academically, one who is also humble in the process and always doing the best they can.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to his scholarship fund: www.
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