Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Donaldsonville on Saturday, March 9, 2019. A Funeral Mass at the church will follow with Father Paul Yi as celebrant. Burial will be in the Church mausoleum.
He was a 1954 graduate of Catholic High School (Donaldsonville) and later, Gulf Radio and Television School. He owned Ruggiero’s Restaurant on the Avenue in Donaldsonville for 17 years after working as a manager and bartender at the First and Last Chance for over 30 years. He also worked as a television repairman for many years. In all his work, he enjoyed visiting with his customers, discussing the news of the day and sharing a joke or two.
Over the years and when he was still able to do so, Butch participated in a number of civic activities, including support of his alma mater and his church parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served four terms as Grand Knight of Council 1087 in Donaldsonville. He was a former member and chairman of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District.
In his younger days, he served as a volunteer fireman for the city of Donaldsonville.
He began attending retreat at Manresa in 1997 and was able to continue to do so through last summer. When mobility issues might have ended his ability to attend the annual retreat, his fellow retreatants provided the assistance which did not allow that to happen. We thank them for their help and support.
Butch was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eula Charlet Ruggiero. He is also survived by two daughters, Karen Ruggiero and Renee Ruggiero Fernandez, a son-in-law, Thomas Fernandez, Jr., one son , Bruno John Ruggiero. Also surviving are his niece, Concetta Ruggiero and his nephews, Gaetano Ruggiero, Jr., and Michael Ruggiero, their spouses and families.
An animal lover, he also leaves behind his canine companions - Henry, Hattie and Rusty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruno and Bena Mistretta Ruggiero; one brother, Gaetano Ruggiero, Sr., and his wife, Dolly; his in-laws, Arthur and Beulah Charlet, two brothers-in-law, Melvin and Raymond “Billy” Charlet and an infant daughter, Linda Ruggiero.
We would like to extend our thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake for the expert and compassionate care given Butch during his final illness. Also, our thanks to the staff of Acadian Ambulance Service.
Our thanks as well to our cousin Tyrone Pizzolato for his visits and bringing the Eucharist to Butch and Eula weekly for the last few years. We would also like to thank Tyrone and Leroy Plaisance for often accompanying Butch to his medical appointments. Your help and kindness will never be forgotten.
Thank you to our neighbors, Janice and Irving Schexnayder, for their visits and support through the years. They meant a great deal to all of us.
Finally, we would like to thank our mother’s caregivers, Eloise Jarvis and Cheryl McBride, who by their care of our mother, helped Butch to be able to run his daily errands without worry.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Louisiana Special Olympics, Canine Companions for Independence, Weimaraner Rescue of the South or the charity of your choice.
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