Obituary of Anthony J. Ruggiero Jr.

Anthony J. Ruggiero, Jr., 72, of Ansonia, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 21, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 49 years to Elaine Gwara Ruggiero. Born in Bridgeport on August 20, 1950, he was a son of the late Anthony J. Ruggiero, Sr., and Doris (Koundry) Ruggiero and was a longtime resident of Ansonia.

Mr. Ruggiero was a graduate of the class of 1968 Bullard Havens Vocational School and after high school he joined the United States Coast Guard and proudly served his country from 1969 – 1974 during the Vietnam War. He later became the bakery instructor at Bullard Havens Vocational School in Bridgeport, with over 30 years of dedicated service before his retirement. In addition to teaching, he coached junior varsity boys' baseball, golf and girls' basketball. He also coached his daughter's softball team the Ansonia Angels for many years. Tony was a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing golf and was a die-hard New York Yankees and New York Giants fan and later became a UCONN men's and women's basketball fan along with his wife. Tony died while doing what he loved to do, traveling with his wife, his motto was "have scooter will travel". His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife Elaine, survivors include his two loving daughters, Jennifer Ferraioli and her husband Paul of New Jersey, Kimberly Ginex and her husband Joseph of Ansonia, two brothers, Frank Ruggiero and his wife Linda of DE, Richard Ruggiero and his wife Jeanette of SC, a sister, Maryann Gintant and her husband Gary of MN and seven cherished grandchildren, Jordan, Brooke, Austin, Kaylee & Aubrey Ginex and Michael & Caitlyn Ferraioli as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Anthony J. Ruggiero, III.

All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. directly in Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Dr., Ansonia. Interment will follow in Mount St. Peters Cemetery, Derby. Friends may greet the family Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or at www.americanheart.org