Gaetano Joseph Ruggiero Sr.

Gaetano “Tana” Joseph Ruggiero Sr. died on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 in Baton Rouge, age 83. He was a resident and native of Donaldsonville. He is survived by one daughter Concietta Ruggiero of Houston, TX; two sons and spouses, Gaetano “Guy” Ruggiero Jr. and Sabrina Ruggiero of Plaquemine and Michael “Cheers” Ruggiero and Barbara Ruggiero of Knoxville, TN; a brother, Bruno “Butch” Ruggiero ; a sister-in-law, Eula Ruggiero; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline Ruggiero, Juliet Ruggiero, Christopher Ruggiero, Sarah Ruggiero Drennan, Kallie Ruggiero, Amanda Ruggiero, Gaetano “ Trey” Ruggiero III; Two Great- Grandchildren, Ava Clare Leger and Michael “M. J.” Somme Jr.; nieces and nephews, Karen Ruggiero, Rene Fernedez and spouse Tommy Fernedez, and Bruno Ruggiero; a dear and loving friend Vivian Miller and their canine companion Celeste.

Preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Roberson Ruggiero; parents, Bruno Ruggiero and Bena Mistretta Ruggiero.

He was a veteran of WWII serving as a Merchant Marine in the South Pacific, 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister with Ascension Catholic Church, Donaldsonville, retired local businessman, and retiree of Texaco. Honorary Pallbearer Gaetano “Trey” Ruggiero III.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 5, 2010 from 8:30 AM until 11:45 AM at Ourso Funeral Home of Donaldsonville. A rosary will be held at 10 AM. Mass of Christian of Burial will follow at 12 PM at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, with Rev. Phil Spano officiating. Burial will follow in Church Mausoleum. Sign on the online guestbook at www.oursodonaldsonville.com. Special thanks and kindness administered to by Davida Dialyses Clinic, St. Joseph Carpenter House Hospice, Renal Associates of Baton Rouge, Cliff Haydel West Feliciana Home Health Care Nurse, Lorraine Taylor and Donaldsonville Council on the Aging.