Obituary of Josephine Ruggiero

Josephine Ruggiero (nee Iannacone), age 101, of Port Richmond, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2017, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Carmine (1983); loving mother of Carolyn Ochmann and her husband, Joseph, Barbara McManus and her husband, John Sr. (Jack), and Joseph Ruggiero and his wife, Maddalena; cherished grandmother of Karen LaFleur and her husband, James, Jeffrey Ochmann and his wife, Karen, John McManus Jr. and his wife, Jihye, Kristine Rapczynski and her husband, Michael, Jessie Lynn Ruggiero, and the late Joseph Ochmann III; fond grandmother-in-law of Lisa Ochmann; devoted great-grandmother of Kerrie Smollar and her husband, Reed, Jason LaFleur, Mikey Rapczynski, Cassidy Rapczynski, and Nicholas Ochmann; dear great-great grandmother of Rowan Kent Smollar; devoted sister of Mary Mafaro, the late Lillian Bruno, late Eleanor Rainero, late Alphonse Iannacone, Sr., late Michael (Sonny) Iannacone. Josephine was predeceased by her son Thomas Ruggiero (former owner of Hair Benders in Staten Island) and baby Ruggiero in infancy. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and all her loving caretakers, especially Virginia. Mrs. Ruggiero was born June 21, 1916, in Avellino, Italy. She emigrated to the United States, by way of Ellis Island, when she was 13 years old, settling in Staten Island. She lived in various communities here including West Brighton and Westerleigh, before finally settling in Port Richmond. She was employed by the Blue and White Laundromat on Clove Road. Her and her husband had a travelling produce route, where they became well known in various neighborhoods on the Island as they sold their produce. They then sold Christmas Trees and seasonal plants for over 60 years on Forest Avenue. Their Christmas tree legacy still continues by her son and his family. She also was instrumental in getting pizza ovens installed at the academy of St. Dorothy, where her children attended. Due to this she affectionately became known as the “Pizza Lady”. According to her family, she was very charitable, including donating to the March of Dimes. She was proud to host a foreign exchange student named Sabina, from Italy. Josephine always had her doors opened to the needy, and loved to host her family and friends for big Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed a nice glass of wine with those Sunday dinners.