Nicholas J. Ruggiero, M.D., of West Pittston, passed away surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in Philadelphia. Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elsie Wega Ruggiero.
He was a graduate of Pittston High School, Kings College, Wilkes-Barre and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He had honorably served his country for 6 years in the US Army Chemical Corps, rising to the rank of first lieutenant and receiving 2 Army Achievement Awards.
Dr. Ruggiero practiced medicine for over 30 years and was a pioneer in the field of Cardiology. He started the first cardiac catheterization laboratory in the Wyoming Valley and was responsible for the open heart program at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. However, his greatest achievement was all the patient’s lives he had touched.
He was a life member of the Second Presbyterian Church, Pittston and president of the Red Devils Sportsman club. He enjoyed sports, golfing and gardening. His family was paramount to him – his wife, son, daughter-in-law and his rosebud (granddaughter) brought him his greatest joy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Ruggiero.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 45 years Ontalee Soricelli Ruggiero; son, Dr. Nicholas J. Ruggiero II and his wife Angela and their daughter, Avelina, of Philadelphia; sister, Virginia Lippi, Plains and half-brother, Jack Gannon, Moosic, numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Second Presbyterian Church, 143 Parsonage Street, Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to church. Interment will follow in West Pittston Cemetery. Friends may call Monday, April 4, 2016 from 5pm-8pm at the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William Street, Pittston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second Presbyterian Church, Pittston; American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.