Anthony Ruggiero, 90 of Dayton, New Jersey passed away on Friday, February 28th surrounded by his family.

Anthony was born in Mola di Bari, Italy and at the age of 12 left school to work full time as a fisherman to help provide income for his family household. He travelled on ships from his hometown on the Adriatic Sea to the waters of Yugoslavia while also learning to cook. At 18 years old in 1948, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, NY with his father. Once he arrived in America he began to work, first as a ship cleaner, briefly spent 6 months in Chicago where he worked as a Wood Machine Operator and returned to Brooklyn. He was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army, and stationed in Alabama during the Korean War. He started as a Private E1 & worked his way to Corporal E4 and also was a cook.

Before he left for Army Service in 1951, he met a young woman whom he fell in love with and would write to while away. Once he completed his 2-year active service the two would marry in 1953 and settle in Brooklyn, NY. He loved soccer where for many years he played for the Mola Club in Brooklyn with all his fellow Paisans. He became a Longshoreman while he served 5 more years in the Army Reserves. After a few years he switched careers to Carpentry, went to Trade School in the evenings & later returned back to Longshoremen. He and his wife went on to have four children and eventually moved to Staten Island where they would raise their children.

Anthony was a man who loved his family and close friends. Nothing was more important or made him happier than to be surrounded by these special people to share meals, holidays, special occasions and parties. He lived a simple life and was never impressed by fancy or material items. He loved and adored his wife Victoria and taught his children many life lessons like to be honest, hardworking earners and good family men.

Anthony loved his seafood. He loved anything from crabs and raw and cooked mussels to clams and calamari. He was also a great cook and prepared so many delicious seafood meals. He loved his Demitasse Coffee from morning through night and red wine with his meals, as well as his favorite snack – ice Cream and occasional Cognac, especially with his 4 sons. He loved his garden. He had a green thumb and a very creative side when it came to gardening and landscaping. He also loved to create woodworking projects. Most of all, he was a die-hard Yankees and Giants fan. Some of his fondest memories were watching the Giants win the super bowl with his children and the many Yankee World Series Championships.

Anthony retired in 1982. When his children were older and on their own, Anthony and his wife Victoria moved into a Retirement Village in Lakehurst New Jersey in 1988 where they spent many happy years attending many club activities and dance parties. Anthony would become an avid walker, walking 4 to 5 miles each day keeping fit and healthy. He also joined the Knights of Columbus, Council #10022 where he was a 4th Degree Knight.

Anthony is predeceased by his loving wife Victoria, his sister Margherita and brothers Giuseppe, & Nicola.

Anthony is survived by his children Vito and his wife Marie Ruggiero of Dayton, NJ, Jacky and his wife Mary Beth Ruggiero of Farmingdale, NJ, Joey and his wife Nanette Ruggiero of Old Bridge, NJ and Anthony and his wife Lisa Ruggiero of Naples, Florida; his loving grandchildren Anthony, Michael, Nicole, Victoria, James, Joseph, Nicholas, Michael, Anthony and Johnny Boy and his beloved great grandchild Ryder Michael(son of Michael & Shawna).

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, March 5th at 9:15 AM at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. An entombment will follow at the Holmdel Cemetery Mausoleum.

To leave a message of condolence or share a favorite memory please visit Anthony’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.