Dee Ruggiero, age 84, of Davenport, Florida, passed away on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 7, 1941, in Irvington, New Jersey, Dee lived a life defined by love, curiosity, and generosity. She was married to her devoted husband, Ed Ruggiero, for 65 years – a partnership built on deep affection, shared dreams, and unwavering support.

Together, Dee and Ed raised three sons: Stephen, Ken, and Glen. Her grandchildren – Brandon, Lindsay, Justin, Luke, and Ciana – were the lights of her life. Dee's sister and lifelong best friend, Marie Cristo, was her constant companion. When they could not be together, they spoke everyday on the phone.

Dee was a lifelong learner, mastering new skills throughout her career and into retirement, always driven by curiosity and determination. For 30 years, she worked side by side with Ed at the Dairy Queen/Magic Fountain, managing and overseeing the business's accounting with precision and care. After selling the business, she continued her professional journey as an office manager for a real estate development company.

In retirement, Dee fulfilled several lifelong dreams. Her love for children led her to Disney, where she began working part-time at age 70 and continued for nine wonderful years. She also dreamed of traveling the country in an RV – and she did just that, visiting 45 states with Ed over a decade of adventure.

Dee's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She loved line dancing and found joy in learning and practicing with friends in Florida and Georgia. In her 40s, she taught herself to play guitar, and when arthritis made that difficult in her 70s, she turned to the dulcimer – a four-stringed instrument that brought her into a warm community of fellow musicians both online and at workshops.

She was a gifted cook, known for her hospitality and her ability to make any kitchen feel like home. Whether cooking for family or friends, she believed that when you cook with love, the food always tastes great. She not only loved to cook in her own home but also delighted in cooking in the homes of others – always bringing warmth and nourishment wherever she went.

Dee's legacy is one of love, resilience, and joy. She touched countless lives with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Faustina Church, followed by a gathering at Giovanni's to share food, drinks, and memories in celebration of Dee's remarkable life. In lieu of

flowers or gifts, it would mean a lot to make a donation in Dee's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

To view the service live online, use the following link:

https://boxcast.tv/view/in-loving-memory-of-dolores-ruggiero-y9991hhh44ctz7bkdclp