Obituary: Manuel "Max" Ruggiero Jr. (Porto Funeral Homes)

Manuel “Max” Ruggiero Jr., a longtime resident of Milford, CT, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, after a brief illness. Known as "Max", he was born on April 22,1940, in New Haven to the late Manuel Ruggiero and Catherine Papaleo Ruggiero. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia “Patty” (Papagoda) Ruggiero, along with his children; Kimberly Satallante (Ronald), Winter Garden, FL; Chris Michael Ruggiero (Lauren), Orange, CT; and his two granddaughters, Morgan and Mia Ruggiero of Orlando, FL. He also leaves behind his siblings, Anthony Ruggiero (Deborah), Cheshire, CT; Rosemary Ziolkowski (Gregory), Orange, CT; John Ruggiero, Branford, CT; and two nephews, Marc Ruggiero, Burlington, VT; and Matthew Ruggiero, Manhattan, NY. Max is also survived by countless cousins and many long-time friends. He graduated from West Haven High School in 1958. After High School, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Max had an extensive career as an Architectural/Civil Engineer and designed numerous commercial and residential buildings throughout the area. Outside of his family, his passion was fly fishing, particularly along the Housatonic River and his beloved trips to Montana. Max was a life member of the Housatonic Fly Fisherman’s Association, where he served as President for several years. He was a long-time member of the Elm City Gun Club. He had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed watching and attending car shows. Max also taught adult education courses on fly fishing at Foran High School in Milford. Max loved spending time with family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered as the patriarch of the family. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Jay, Brian, and the entire staff at Milford Hospital along with the daily support from the staff at Civita Care Center in Milford.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven SATURDAY morning at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Precious Blood Parish in St. Mary Church (Milford) at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call on FRIDAY, February 13, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Max’s memory may be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation at www.parkinsonhope.org. Sign Max's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.