Obituary: Debra L. Ruggeri

0
187
Debra L. Ruggeri

WATERBURY — Debra L. “Debbie” Ruggeri, 63, the widow of Dennis Jillson, died May 7, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Debbie was born on Nov. 27, 1955 in Waterbury, a daughter of the late Ceasar J. and Geraldine (Somma) Ruggeri. Debbie grew up in Naugatuck, where she graduated from Naugatuck High School, Class of 1973. She graduated from nursing school and retired from the State of Connecticut, having worked at Southbury Training School. Debbie truly had a deep passion for animals, four- and two-legged. She would try her hardest to find homes for strays or adopt them herself. Debbie volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she would bring her dogs to visit patients.

Debbie leaves her brothers, Paul Ruggeri and his wife, Cindy, of Orange and Robert Ruggeri and his wife, Lisa, of Cheshire; her sister, Cindi Ruggeri of Cheshire; her nieces and nephews, Matt, Joshua, Anneliese, Emily and Jordan Ruggeri; and several cousins.

Calling hours will be Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a service beginning at 4:45 p.m., at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Debbie’s memory, donations can be made to Poodle Rescue Connecticut, P.O. Box 188, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or at www.poodlerescuect.org.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.