Gaetano Ruggiero

Age 79, of Horseheads, died at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 3, 2010. Gaetano was born in the city of Taurianova in Reggio Di Calabria, Italy on May 2, 1931, a son of the late Salvatore and Rose (Alessi) Rugiero. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Josephine Palamara Ruggiero; children, Salvatore M. Ruggiero with Nancy A. Kijowski of Auburn, NY, Filomena M. Coxford, with husband Scott of Elmira, Francesca M. Chappius with husband Paul of Elmira, Mike M. Ruggiero with wife Christylee of Horseheads; grandchildren, Nicholas, Adrianna, Dominique, Maria, and Michael; step-great-granddaughter Alexxis; along with several step-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, with their spouses, Tina and Bill Dietrick, Angela and Edward Flesch, Connie and James McMillan, Joseph and Pamela Rugiero, Mario and Patricia Rugiero, Jackie and Tufan Senler, Frank and Patricia Rugiero; aunt Grace Ruggiero; special niece Bernadetta Rugiero Long; brothers-in-law, with their spouses, Dominic and Fortunata Palamara, Carmello and Giuseppina Palamara and Pietro and Sofia Palamara; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many very special friends. He is predeceased by his brother Rosario Ruggiero. Gaetano came to the United State in 1962 and opened his own tailor shop in Elmira. Throughout the years he also worked for Morrell’s Clothing Store and other men’s clothing stores in Elmira. Gaetano was a Vocational Instructor retired from the Elmira Correctional Facility with 17 years of service. He was a long time communicant of St. Anthony’s Church. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church. Interment will then take place at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Gaetano with a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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