Obituary of Paul Francis Ruggiero
Paul F. Ruggiero, 68, of North Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Born in Montclair, Paul grew up in Warren before moving to North Plainfield with his beloved wife and best friend, Susan, where they raised their family and lived for forty years.
Paul's professional life was marked by his commitment and ingenuity. His career in electronics manufacturing services for various companies including Siemens fostered his vision to eventually establish a manufacturing firm, SPEM Corp., in Piscataway. As co-founder, he successfully constructed and produced high-quality electronic products and electromechanical subassemblies for more than twenty years.
A devoted husband and father, Paul was gentle-hearted and cherished the moments spent with his family, pets, and life-long friends. He enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for DiMola’s pizza, Lionel model trains, and building model rockets. His interest in automobiles was evident in his meticulous care for his 1971 Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebirds. A gifted car mechanic, Paul also made sure his kids never had to pay for an oil change. Above all, Paul treasured the moments spent with his children and granddaughters, who were the light of his life.
Paul leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Susan, and their three children: Christopher Ruggiero and wife Christine of Saylorsburg, PA, Michelle Smith and husband Christopher of Cream Ridge, and Daniel Ruggiero and wife Kasia of Warren. He was a proud grandfather to five granddaughters: Reese, Rylee, Savannah, Madeleine, and Lucy. He is also survived by his brother William and wife Christine of AZ.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ, with a prayer service to be held at 5:30 p.m.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:15 a.m., at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 516 West 6th Street, Plainfield, NJ. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
Cremation services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to United Family & Children’s Society at 305 W. Seventh St. Plainfield, NJ 07060 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
