Patrick Joseph Ruggiero

Born and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, Patrick lived a life filled with adventure, service, friendship, and family. In 1967, Patrick attended the World's Fair in Montreal with his cousin Chet. While there, he met a group of Canadians who were signing up to serve in Vietnam, and their decision to serve inspired Patrick to join the United States Army. While both were stationed in Vietnam, the cousins kept a chess game going through letters, each making one move and mailing it to the other.

Patrick was immensely proud of his military service. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division and, while on leave in 1969, found himself at Woodstock, part of a defining moment in American music and culture. After returning from Vietnam and landing in California, Patrick and several fellow soldiers rented a van and drove across the country, dropping each of them off in his hometown. Patrick was the last to arrive home in Boston.

His military service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. His military service continued in the Army Reserve, where he joined the 772nd Military Police Company of Taunton, served as a Platoon Leader and Sergeant First Class, and deployed to the Persian Gulf with the unit as part of Operation Desert Storm.

In civilian life, Patrick worked as a tractor trailer driver. He met his wife of 36 years, Deborah (Long) Ruggiero, in 1972 in Bourne, and they eventually settled in Sagamore Beach, where they built their life together and raised their family. Patrick and Deborah were quite a pair. She was 4'11", while Patrick stood 6'4". Their first apartment wasn't exactly built for someone his size. Deborah had picked it out before Patrick ever saw it, and he quickly discovered he had to duck through the doorway. Even the bathroom wasn't quite big enough for him.

Patrick's commitment to his fellow veterans continued throughout his life through the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Commander of Aptucxet VFW Post 5988, was honored as an All-State Commander, and served as a National Aide-de-Camp. He was also recognized for his recruiting efforts and took great pride in supporting his fellow veterans.

Patrick loved going on adventures with his son and best friend, Daniel, especially exploring the back roads of Falmouth. They would go out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, often stopping at his favorite ice cream place, Twin Acres in Sandwich, where Patrick enjoyed a milkshake and Dan an ice cream. Patrick proudly supported his daughter, Jaime, when she was young, getting up early to drive her to figure skating practice and later expertly packing up the Jeep when it was time to move her to college. He loved a good game, whether it was chess, cards, or cribbage, and especially enjoyed teaching his granddaughter, Harper, how to play.

Patrick filled every room with his larger than life presence, but underneath it all, he was a big teddy bear. He faced significant health challenges in his later years, but he never let them diminish his spirit. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone he spoke with feel important and leaving them with a smile.

Patrick was predeceased by his beloved wife, Deborah (Long) Ruggiero; his mother, Anna (Cedrone) Rickman; and his father, Peter Ruggiero.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Ruggiero; son-in-law, Satyajeet Potdar; and granddaughter, Harper Potdar, all of Wayland, Massachusetts; and his son and best friend, Daniel Ruggiero, of Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his sister, Christine Beecher, and brother-in-law, Brian Beecher, of Billerica; sister, Laura Rickman-Heyl, and brother-in-law, Steven Heyl, of Bedford; brother, Peter Ruggiero, of Sandwich; sister, Michelle Carbarlo, and brother-in-law, Ray Carbarlo, of Highland, New York; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Interment will take place October, 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Sandwich Town Cemetery, 231 Route 130, Sandwich, MA, followed by a celebration of life at The Sagamore, 1131 Route 6A, Sagamore, MA. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a veteran out for a cup of coffee and talk.