John R Ruggieri

John R. Ruggieri (Jack), 84 of Worcester passed away peacefully Sunday, August 20th 2017 with his family gathered at his side.  He joins in heaven his daughter Deborah Lazzaro who passed away in 2010, his grandson Jeffrey McLaughlin and other family members.        Jack was born May 25, 1933, in Worcester, a son of Domenic and Gladys (White) Ruggieri.  He was raised in Worcester and after high school accepted a position with the Owen-Illinois Company, later Creative Packaging, where he worked for the next 50 years before retiring in 2001. Jack is survived by the family he loved and dedicated his life to.  His best friend and wife of the past 65 years, Mary (Gentile) Ruggieri; his four children Donna McLaughlin of Oxford, Dianna D’Acri and her husband Edward of Palm bay, Florida, John A. Ruggieri and his wife Christine of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey R. Ruggieri and his wife Christine of Rochdale; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Berkiel of Worcester and Joan Courville of Auburn. Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   Besides his daughter, grandson and parents, Jack was pre-deceased by two brothers, Edward White and Michael Ruggieri.  Jack was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church.  He loved tending to his grounds, garden and flowers at his home.  He also enjoyed travel with Mary to Cape Cod and many other locations.  Watching and rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots with family and friends was something he looked forward to doing.  He loved to swim, especially in the ocean and was a lifelong, avid cribbage player.   Holidays, special occasions, and moments he could be with his family were the most special to Jack.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration mass will be held Saturday August 26th at 11:30 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name can be made to St Jude Children’s research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.  www.stjude.org . The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.