Joseph L. Ruggiero, Jr.

Joseph L. Ruggiero, Jr., was called home to heaven on Thursday, September 10, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born in Wilmington, son of the late Joseph L. Ruggiero, Sr. and MaryLou Ackerman Ruggiero. He was a proud graduate of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic school where he played baseball and football.  He went on to be the first in his family to attend college at the University of Delaware as a fighting Blue Hen.

He spent a few years teaching 5th and 6th grade Math and Social Studies at St. Thomas the Apostle, before joining his mother at a local lumber company where he spent 29 years of his career. Joe volunteered his time as a Knight of Columbus, a role he cared deeply about. He served as Grand Knight of the Pius X Council and was also part of the Bishop Martega assembly.

Joe loved to entertain and was often found singing Sinatra or Elvis. In recent years, Joe enjoyed feeding the ducks, driving the golf cart, and making memories at his beach home. His greatest achievement was his role as a husband, father, and grandfather which he cherished.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brother Thomas Ruggiero, wife Christine Ruggiero and their daughter Chelsea Ann. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Tina Pugliese Ruggiero, his daughter Amanda Schauer(Patrick) and son Christopher J. Ruggiero, he was lovingly called Pop-Pop to the lights of his life and grandchildren, Logan Patrick and Harper Mary, his nephew Luke Ruggiero(Catie), many cousins, nieces, nephews and relatives. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of CVCC 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helena’s Roman Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809. A visitation will be held at church prior to the mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private.