Obituary: Antonio Ruggi, 86, Founding Member of Cercemaggiore Community Club

Antonio Ruggi, 86, died Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Waterbury Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Libera (DiBona) Ruggi.

Ruggi was born in Cercemaggiore, Campobasso, Italy on September 24, 1925, son of the late Angelo and Barnaba (Massari) Ruggi. After World War II ,with much of Italy falling on hard times, he and his brother moved to Buenos, Aires, Argentina in 1952 in search of a better life. He later immigrated to the United States in 1962, where he worked for Boise Cascade, until he returned to Argentina in 1974, where he founded Ruggi Hermanos, a zinc plating company with his brothers. He retired in 2003. He was one of the founding members of the Cercemaggiore Community Club.

Ruggi was one in a million, energetic and enjoyed life to its fullest. He loved being in the company of friends and family, he loved to travel and was interested and inquisitive about everything, especially world history. He had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor.

Ruggi was the consummate “Asador” in Argentina, hosting many family gatherings around his domain, the barbecue pit. He had a can-do attitude -- without formal training in engineering or architecture, he designed his own home in Argentina, doing much of the work himself.

Besides his wife, he leaves, two daughters, Palmina "Pam" Ruggi Flanagan and her husband, Dr. Michael J. Flanagan of Woodbury; Attorney Angela Ruggi Juliani of Woodbury and her former husband James Juliani of Watertown; and five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael and Catherine Flanagan, Marra and James Juliani.

Ruggi is also survived by his brothers, Joseph, Michele, and Domenico, and his sisters, Filomena, Elizabeth and Maria. He was particularly close to his nephew, Matias Ruggi of Argentina, as well as many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Vincenzo and his long-time friend Anna Giungi.

The family would like to thank the staff at Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Victor Chang, Dr. Joey Cosgriff and Dr. Richard Silverman and staff at Waterbury Hospital's intensive care unit for their care and compassion shown to Ruggi during his illness.

Arrangements: A private memorial service will take place on Monday, March 26, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.

A private entombment will take place at the Calvary Queen of Peace Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ruggi's memory to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708.