James M. Ruggiere

James “Jim” M. Ruggiere, 56 of Worcester passed away, Friday, October 4, 2019 in Saint Vincent Hospital.

Jim was born in Worcester on June 15, 1963, son of the late Michael and Ernestine (Albano) Ruggiere.  He was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School and received his Criminal Justice Degree from Quinsigamond Community College.  Jim worked at Danafilms INC., for 27 years in shipping and receiving as well as a machine technician.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 17 years, Debra (Metcalf) Ruggiere; a son, Michael C. Ruggiere of Spokane Valley, WA and granddaughter, Alessa Rogers of Post Falls, ID ; a brother, Dominic Ruggiere husband of Stephanie Ruggiere ; three sisters, Madaline Guerra wife of Leo Guerra, Theresa Sposato-Michniewicz and Regina Mannella wife of Fran Mannella; nieces, Dominica Brown wife of Francis Brown, Lily Ruggiere & Megan; nephews, Dominic Sposato, Nicholas Ruggiere, Michael Jamros, Joseph Jamros, Matthew, Scott & Nicholas; great niece Alice Brown; great nephews Francis Brown and Alesso Sposato and a sister in law Karen Manduke.

Jim was a man of few words, but the words he did speak were kind, honest and funny. He loved his family, friends, sports and his cats with his whole heart. Since the age of 14, Jim was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan – no one, including Jim, knew why this favoritism started; however, his family (avid Patriots fans!) always forgave him for that flaw.  Jim loved NASCAR and had a dream of visiting every racetrack. Although he did not see all the tracks, he did attend many races with family and friends. His most bragged about trips were to the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  Anything sports related was Jim’s passion. He enjoyed bowling, participating in dart tournaments, coaching softball and was a collector of sports memorabilia.  When Jim was not watching sports, or when there was nothing on except a basketball game, he loved watching Westerns. He considered himself a real cowboy at heart. Jim will always be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.

Jim’s funeral will be held Thursday, October 10th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Rd. Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, October 9th, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory can be sent to Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606 or to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue; Dallas, TX 75231.