Rocco Robert “Bob” Ruggiero, 86, of Southbury, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Mary (Petrosky) Ruggiero, three children, Joseph Ruggiero (Jennifer), Christopher Ruggiero (Jacqueline Abair) and Maria E. Sesso (Howard), and six grandchildren: Christina Shockley (Eric), Diana Ruggiero, Robert Owen Ruggiero, Olivia Ruggiero, Claudia Sesso and Steven Rocco Sesso, and three great-grandchildren (Cora, Max and Sadie Shockley). He also leaves his dear sister, Betty Sabia, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born on October 18, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Maria (Pizzigoni) Ruggiero. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1952 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (summa cum laude) from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (BPI), from which he also obtained a Master’s degree. For 23 years, he was an adjunct professor in the Mathematics Department at BPI. As a member of the Army ROTC, he was commissioned in 1956 as a Second Lieutenant. He served both on active duty and in the army reserves. Bob began his career as a mathematician at Republic Aviation Corporation, and later became Vice President of Information Systems and Facilities at Loral Corporation. In 1997, Bob retired from his position as Chief Information Officer with Lockheed Martin. Upon his retirement, Bob utilized his expertise in management to consult for L-3 Communications.

In the 1980s, Bob was very active in his parish, St. James Roman Catholic Church in Setauket, NY where he was the Coordinator of the Confirmation Program, a CCD instructor, and a lector. In his last years, he was also active in St Joseph’s R.C. parish in Brookfield, CT.

In addition to gathering with his family, Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife and their many friends at their residences in Marco Island, FL and Washington, NH. His interests included American History, American popular standards, classic movies, and Broadway musicals. Bob had a lifelong passion for computers and technology, and throughout his life he was an early adopter of multimedia (8mm, Polaroid, Reel-to-reel tape, etc.) to ensure preservation of all his family memories. He also loved “Jeopardy!”

Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Connecticut Food Bank at https://www.ctfoodbank.org/. Also, memories may be shared at https://everloved.com/ (search “Rocco Ruggiero”).

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