Obituary of Baldassaro Ruggiero

Baldassaro (Joe) Ruggiero, 86, devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on April 12 at Monmouth County Medical Center.  Born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, Baldassaro Ruggiero graduated Dewy Jr. High and Alexander Hamilton Technical High School. Mr. Ruggiero was a highly skilled union carpenter for more than 50 years earning him the carpenter’s gold card.  He worked on nearly every major construction project in NYC, including The World’s Fair, The Twin Towers, Varazzano Bridge etc.  His pride in the restoration of his family’s 100+ year-old home was known by his many friends.  As a young man, Mr. Ruggiero enjoyed horseback riding, boating, and weight lifting, being named Mr. Prospect Park in the 50’s; also an excellent water skier, snow skier and avid swimmer, he loved swimming far out in the Caribbean Sea, St. Maarten where he and his wife vacationed each year.  Gardening and landscaping became his passion in retirement with passerby complimenting his meticulously-kept property.  One of his tomatoes took first place at the Richmond County Fair.  Mr. Ruggiero served in the Naval Reserve, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Charles Mission Center’s Men’s Club.  He gave generously of his carpenter skills in the maintenance at St. Charles and loved doing the same for his children’s homes.  He thoroughly enjoyed the Jersey Shore each year with family, catching crabs for crab sauce at their large family dinners. He is survived by his wife, Dona of 62 years, six children and spouses: Joseph/Holly (Privracky), Steven/Nahla (Jalinos), Linda, Daniel, Michael/Phyllis (Agnello) and Diane to Anthony Ciricillo. There are ten grandchildren: Jacklyn married to Russel Agius, Jennifer to Jay Patel, Lauren to Chip Duval, Meaghan to Michael Kelvy, Christopher, Samantha, Lindsey, Kristen, Gianna and Nicholas; Two great-grandchildren: Ella Rose and Theodore (Teddy) who all love him dearly.  Visiting will be at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ on Friday, April 16^th from 4:00-8:00PM.  A funeral liturgy will be held at St. Gabriel’s Historic Church, Marlboro on Saturday, April 17^th at 11am, with Entombment to follow at St. Gabriel’s Mausoleum.  To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com