Michael Ruggiero Obituary

Ruggiero, Michael John Age 49, of Austin, Texas, native of Chicago. Passed away in a tragic airplane accident on August 11, 2013. Michael was the beloved husband of Lisa Alaniz Ruggiero. Loving father of Jake and Madison. Cherished son of Frank and Gale Parker Ruggiero. Dear brother of Kelly (Gene) Robinson and Kenneth Ruggiero CPD. He was a devoted uncle, admirable friend to many and a competitive athlete. He was a member of Austin Ridge Bible Church. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and poker at The Hills of Lakeway Club and White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville. He was known for his engaging personality, laughter and infamous dance moves. Michael attended Brother Rice High School and graduated from St. Xavier University with a degree in computer science. He was a successful Regional Sales Manager at Flexera Software, and was formerly employed by Noetix Corp, Informatica Corp, GE Capital/Heller Financial Inc. Michael touched the lives of so many and will be dearly missed and cherished forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation at Chase Bank for Michael and Lisa's children set up in the name of Lisa Ruggiero. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home 10727 S. Pulaski Rd. on August 20th at 3pm with a Memorial Service at 7pm. 773-783-7700 or 708-423-5400. To view and sign online guestbook visit www.andrewmcgann.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 18, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ruggiero

Not sure what to say?





Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. At the request of Ray Haran, Michael will again be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 08 SEP, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain

August 27, 2013

Kenny and the Ruggiero Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, my deepest condolences to you all. May God Bless Michael and hold him and you in the palm of His hand.

Patty Clarke ~ Ret. C.P.D.

August 24, 2013

I am saddened by the loss of Mike at such a young age. I haven't spoken to Mike in almost 20 years yet still think of him as a friend. Our friendship was short but very full until life took us in different directions. I remember Mike as a serious but goofy guy. He knew what he wanted to accomplish but was certain to enjoy life while doing it. We worked together, commuted up 294 together for a few years, played together, vacationed together, and he busted out his infamous dance moves while I watched from the sidelines both envious and amused.

This loss has caused me to remember some of the great moments with Mike. They hold a special place for me. I can remember the times golfing with Frank and Kenny while we all gave Mike a hard time about living at home. Mike was several years out of college with a good job at the time. Almost everyone else in his situation was already living in their own place for years. He kept insisting he had a plan to buy a house and was saving his money to do that. We didn't stop picking on him and he didn't stop planning. I remember hearing through the grapevine that Mike bought a house, got married, and had kids. He had a good plan.

I remember one morning commute with Mike. I met Mike while working together in Northbrook and quickly decided that two southsiders needed to commute together all the way to Wisconsin. Or just about Wisconsin as far as we were concerned. Mike started a new job in Rosemont a year later but we continued to commute together as it was easy to drop him off on my way to Northbrook. During that morning commute I was having a very nasty experience with a man in a Suburban whose arms were about the size of my thighs. Without going into details, he was a complete idiot and was cutting off people, flashing his brights, driving in the breakdown lane, and generally being a jerk during the morning rushhour in Chicago traffic. I may have taken offense at his driving and sent a message by cutting him off and blocking his progress as he again tried to drive in the breakdown lane. Through miles of driving up the highway with this person trying to run us off the road, Mike was sleeping like a baby in the passenger seat. He could fall asleep for our commute before I backed out of the parking space at my apartment. He woke up once and asked if there was a problem. I only asked if his clubs were in the trunk. Once assured they were, I told him he could go back to sleep which he instantly did. While I was the one doing the driving, this was in Mike's Mazda RX7. The suburban driver was attempting to squash that little Mazda. I finally left the crazed individual by exiting quickly in Rosemont where I needed to drop Mike for work. Mike woke up and asked me to stop at a mailbox. As he exited the car, he held up the envelope he was putting in the mailbox and proudly proclaimed that this was his last car payment. I couldn't help but bust out laughing as I was picture that huge arm waving out the window of the Suburban.

Mike was a great golfer. I had recently picked up the game and Mike was an enthusiastic and encouraging golf buddy. I had a group of friends that took a golf vacation every year. This year it was to Biloxi. I convinced Mike to come along. The first day, Mike and I were adamant about being walkers. Carts were for other people. And we carried our bags. Pull carts were also for other people. That was a great philosophy when golfing in Chicago where most of the time the walk from green to tee was measure in yards and usually on 20-30 yards. Well, resort courses built around swamp lands tend to have a long distance between green and tee. After several holes of long long long walks, we finally started hitching a ride on the other two players cart. We were exhausted at the end of that round. We definitely got a cart the rest of the week. One night we drove into New Orleans. Neither of us had been there and figured that would be a good place to go for fun. Mike was approached by a “gentleman” offering to shine his shoes. Mike was wearing a pretty beat up pair of Nikes at the time. The “gentleman” offered a free shoe shine if he couldn't guess where Mike got his shoes. Mike bit and the “gentleman” informed Mike that he got his shoes on Bourbon Street. Mike argued grammar for a while, finally gave up, threw the man a few dollars, and laughed about getting suckered when he felt he could never be suckered. For this trip, we had driven down to MS. On the way back we hit an ice storm through most of Illinois. We stopped for coffee at a Denny's or something like it shortly after Springfield. Just picture four guys getting out of a van, a van that is completely covered in ice, in a white out ice storm, wearing shorts and polo shirts, acting as if nothing seems strange about this at 2 in the morning. While being cranky should have been the default, we were all just laughing about the absurdity of the situation. And Mike was the guy laughing the loudest. All in all. A great week with a great friend.

I apologize for the tome. I have many more memories of Mike and just starting typing a few that came immediately to mind. I can remember getting home from Northbrook on the tollway most days with only a few pennies and determined to do it without breaking a dollar. This was long before automated tolls or surveillance cameras. I remember seeing Mike hit some of the most incredible golf shots (and calling them before he did it). Playing basketball, softball, volleyball, or cards together. Him getting a seasonal job at Carson's and then insisting I come up and use his employee discount on ties. Did anyone mention his flair for fashion. He had me wearing double breasted suits, nice ties, tie tacks, or tie bars. I also remember going out to the clubs together. Watching Mike dancing and trying to work his magic on the woman and listening to some of the lines he would throw their way. In general, he was just loving life. I'm sure I am one of many with similar relationships with Mike. I'm very sorry that we drifted apart as friends and that those times only lasted a few years. There are many memories of Mike that I will never forget.

I am very sorry for the loss that Mike's family and friends are suffering at this time. I know it is difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope everyone can take the time to remember the special times with Mike. There were many of them. And when the times weren't that good, I can almost guarantee that it wasn't Mike's fault. He was the serious but goofy one trying to enjoy life and bringing you along for the ride.

Kevin Ferriter

August 22, 2013

Lisa,
My husband Rich and I both worked with Mike years ago here in Chicago. I remember him for his charm and great enthusiasm. We are so deeply sorry for your loss and wish you the peace that passes human understanding.

Rich and Anita Skibski

August 20, 2013

Dear Lisa and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and extended family. God Bless all of you, Herculano,Jr. & Bertha Garcia (Corpus Christi)

August 20, 2013

Lisa, We are so sorry to hear of Michael's death. The Tuesday nights when you two visited us in Itasca -- after your volleyball games at the rec center -- are among our happiest memories. And you even let us babysit Jake a time or two!! It was a privilege and a blessing to get to know you and Michael. He truly enriched our lives.

Eve Brouwer Cronk

August 20, 2013

I am so sorry for Mike's untimely death. I had Mike in my U.S. History class at Brother Rice. What a classy, bright young man who always did well and always wanted to do well. My prayers to his family and friends. May God bless his soul and welcome Mike into his heavenly home.
Jim Antos, Principal, Brother Rice HS

August 19, 2013

Lisa, It only took a weekend in Cabo for me fall in deep like with you and Mike. All of our love and prayers for you, Jake, Maddie and family.

Tessa Fauske

August 18, 2013

Kenny so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Chris Carroll

August 18, 2013

Very sorry for Your troubles. May he rest in peace.

Skip O'Donnell

August 18, 2013

Lisa,
Im Very Sorry to hear about your husband. My Deepest Condolences and Sympathy.. You, Madison and Jake are in my Heart and Prayers.. With Love: Liza, Aldo, and Dylan

Liza Hinojosa

August 16, 2013

Lisa, Though I have not seen you since my high school and college days with Oma, my heart and grief goes out to you in Christian love to lose your other half so young. Find comfort in that you know he knew His Lord and Saviour. I pray Father God will give you comfort and strength in the months and years to come. Sandy McIntyre Stone

Sandy McItnrye Stone

August 16, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Ruggiero family and friends. Although I only knew Mike for a little over 6 months, I felt he was a lifelong friend.

My life as well as anyone who knew him has been enriched having been his friend.

David Gemuenden

August 16, 2013

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Mike will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 25 AUG, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain

August 16, 2013

Jake and family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. My heart breaks thinking of the loss you have experienced. May peace find you in your darkest hours.

Jan Koprivnik

August 15, 2013

Dear Lisa and Family,
You are and will be in our thoughts and prayers. Cal and Louella Mora and Family

Calixto Mora

August 15, 2013

Lisa you and your family are in my prayers.

John Dixon

August 15, 2013

Dearest Lisa,Jake & Madison,Please know that we have you in our hearts,thoughts & prayers today & everyday. Pam & George

Pamela Naranjo

August 15, 2013

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Ruggiero's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Ruggiero

Aug

16

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Austin Ridge Bible Church

Austin, TX

Aug

20

Visitation

3:00 p.m.

Andrew J. Mcgann & Sons Funeral Home

10727 S PULASKI RD, Chicago, IL 60655

Aug

20

Memorial service

7:00 p.m.

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Andrew J. Mcgann & Sons Funeral Home

10727 S PULASKI RD, Chicago, IL 60655

How to support Michael's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Ruggiero's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more