Richard Arthur Ruggiero

Richard A. Ruggiero of Suffern and previously Brewster, NY, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, from illness contracted during his time at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A native of New York City, Richard retired in April 2002 after a 36-year career as a Fire Marshal and Firefighter with the FDNY.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Brockway Ruggiero; his children, Richard Ruggiero, Jr., (Michelle); Cristina McMahon; and Jenny Sangiamo (James); his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Melissa Siegfried), Timothy, Ryan, Reagan, Matthew, and Mia; and the mother of his children, Rose Ruggiero. He is also survived by his stepsons, Arthur Brockway and Kevin Brockway; his sister-in-law, Kathy Sagan; and his nephews Gabriel Sagan and Michael Sagan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Leanora Stauts, his nephew, Carl Stauts; and his parents, Angelo and Helen Ruggiero.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Rt 59, Suffern, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 129 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY, with private cremation immediately following.

Richard will be deeply missed and forever cherished for both devotion to family and service to his community and nation. In honor of his loving dachshund companions over the years — Nathan, Franklin, and Dewey — and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be directed to the Animal Care Center of St. John at stjohnanimalcarecenter.com.