Frank Ruggiere

Frank T. Ruggiere, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hempstead, New York, he was the son of the late Bartholomew and Virginia Ruggiere.

Frank was the beloved husband of Marie Ruggiere for 29 years and a devoted father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children: Frank Ruggiere, Jr. (Alison), Kathleen DeParis (Lawrence), and Mark Ruggiere (Ji Yeong); and stepdaughters: Laura Asta (Bobby) and Gina Vetrino. He was the proud grandfather of Steven Ruggiere (Kristen), Matthew Ruggiere (Lindsey), Gabrielle DeParis-Hale (Cole), Nicolette DeParis, Francesca DeParis, Christopher Asta, Brianna Asta, and Daveena Barrier. He was recently blessed with a great-grandson, Dane Bart Ruggiere. Frank is also survived by his two brothers, Bart Ruggiere and Thomas Ruggiere (Cay). He was predeceased by his beloved son, Bart Ruggiere.

Frank spent his early years on Long Island and had a deep love for the water, which began in childhood when his family enjoyed time aboard their boat, the Three Sons. This lifelong passion for boating continued throughout his adult life with his own family, creating cherished memories on the water.

After graduating high school Frank enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served on the aircraft carrier the USS Randolph whose home port was Norfolk, VA. While serving in the Navy from 1955 to 1957 he supported the ship’s electricians, and in his spare time he was a disc jockey on the aircraft carrier – spinning mostly big band, country music and early rock and roll, including Elvis (which he joked about because he said it really irritated one guy on the ship!).

Following his military service, Frank began a successful career in the Aerospace/Military Fastener industry for 60 years. He would start his career in sales while working at Grumman, and in 1972 he started his own business, including a machine shop in Connecticut where he served as owner and head of sales for the company. After selling the business, he continued his career as Vice President of Sales with Wesco Aircraft. Frank was highly respected in the industry and known for his integrity, mentorship, and unwavering professionalism.

Of course, while he was running a business, he was also busy raising a family! Known as a man of quiet strength and deep values, he led by example, instilling in his family the importance of hard work, respect, perseverance, and integrity. Family vacations included skiing in Vermont (though not a fan of the cold, he was known to visit his parents in Florida while the family skied!) and a lot of time cruising the waters in the Northeast on his beloved 1956 Chris Craft, the Maristella, the first of 3 boats he owned and enjoyed with family and friends over the years. There are many other stories to tell – things like the shenanigans with his brothers (too many stories to tell in this paragraph!), or why his children were told to “go see your dad on the boat” when they knew there was some type of discipline coming for something they “may or may not have done” (usually the latter!).

He cherished time spent with family on the boat and on the golf course, and he took great joy being with his wife Marie, his children, and grandchildren. Whether it was just Frank and Marie spending quality time together or being surrounded by their family, a good steak or Italian meal was usually at the top of list when it came to family gatherings.

He will be remembered for his steadfast love, his gentle smile, and the legacy of devotion he leaves behind. He is now reunited with his parents and his son Bart, at peace and watching over the family he held so dear.

A funeral mass for Frank will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1100 8th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Entombment will follow the service in the church columbarium.

Following the service, the family invites all friends to the home of Gina Vetrino, 2101 via Palma Dr, North Myrtle Beach SC, 29582.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with the wishes of the church, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made instead to one of the following organizations in Frank’s honor:

• The Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center: https://www.bartadaptive.org/annual-fund.html

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate

Frank enjoyed listening to music and we are sharing with you the link below of a playlist of songs we put together for his 70th birthday

- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11MIUAOR6PS1NNjlHolqni?si=6b7e812650474ec9