Ann M. DiRuggiero, Administrative Assistant with the Belleville BOE, Dies at 92

The following obituary is courtesy the Irvine Cozzarelli Memorial Home. 

Ann M. DiRuggiero (nee Perri), 92, passed away at her residence in Belleville, NJ, on Thursday, December 12, 2013.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Ann remained in Pennsylvania until her marriage to Dr. Frank N. DiRuggiero, and subsequently established her permanent residence in Belleville, during the early 1940's. Ann was an administrative assistant with the Belleville Board of Education, retiring from that position.

Additionally, she was concurrently employed as a laboratory clerk at the Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville. 

She was the past president of the Belleville Public School No. 3 PTA, the past president of the Belleville Consolidated PTA, the past chairperson of the bylaws committee of the Belleville Schools Office Personnel Association, a past congregant and participant in the parish organizations of St. Peter's R.C. Church, and a member of the Rosary and Altar Society of Holy Family R.C. Church, Nutley, N.J.

A descriptive of Ann's personality would characterize her as a strong and independent woman who was recognized as the matriarch of her family.

Her priority was to her immediate family and she supported that purpose in thought and deed. She never permitted life circumstances to dictate to her destiny; an engaging and entertaining conversationalist, who favored socializing and was recognized as a formidable canasta player, Ann understood the privilege of friendship and in turn was a valued confidant; an individual with a good sense of humor, she possessed a sharp and sometimes mischievous wit, balanced with an inviting and charming manner that put people at ease. She was well traveled and an avid reader. 

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Frank N. DiRuggiero; the devoted mother of  Judith DiGiorgio,Diane Hutt and her husband Robert, Ralph J. DiRuggiero and his wife Susan, and the late Francis Berlowitz and her surviving husband Ira; cherished grandmother of Darrah, Ashley, Caitlin, Alysha, Meredith, and the late Dina; precious great-grandmother of  Gabriella, Becket and Jack; lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews, and her dear caregiver and companion Novelette.