Father Joseph Ruggeri SX

     Rev Joseph A. Ruggeri, 91, passed away after an illness on August 13, 2026.  A lifelong resident of Watertown, Massachusetts, he graduated in 1952 from Watertown High School.  With his love of music it was no surprise that he participated in Glee Club (chorus), Band and the Italian Club !! He was also an Election Commissioner.
    For two years he worked in the private sector while discerning and joined the Xaverian Missionary Fathers, Holliston, MA to prepare for the priesthood graduating from the University of Wisconsin, and later the University of Rome before being ordained May 27, 1965. He was dispatched to the Missions in Sierre Leone where he helped evangelizing through education in building bridges, homes and open a school building one classroom at a time, adding on as the children in that grade progressed into one higher. He returned to Massachusetts after contacting a serious illness. Due to this he was no longer able to serve in the missions. He was given temporary assignment to Most Blessed Sacrament, Melrose/Wakefield MA and later assumed pastoral assignment there. His next assignment for the Archdioses of Boston was Pastor to St. Margeret's, Lowell MA where he remained until his retirement at age 72.
     After selling the family home in Watertown, he moved to Naples, Florida before deciding that Lauderhills felt more like home. Holy Angels became his home parish where he met new friends and often participated in saying Mass.
     He is the devoted brother to Constance Poliquin and her late husband James, from New Hampshire as well as four nieces, Karen Pizs & her husband Eric from Georgia, Lauren Hurson & her husband Gerard in Ireland, Kathleen Cucchi & her husband Michael in Massachusetts and his nephew, James & his wife Tanya, in New Hampshire as well as his great nieces, Aisling, Megan and Francesca.

    Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Fr. Joe's life by gathering for a graveside service on Thursday September 3, 2026 at 12 NOON in St. Patrick's Cemetery.  

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