Kevin Angelo Rugani was born on June 12, 1949 to Peter and Eugenia Rugani. In 1950, the Ruganis bought their house on 20th Avenue in San Francisco and would raise their family there. On September 3, 1951, Kevin welcomed his little brother and lifelong best friend, Walt, into the world.
As boys, the Rugani brothers loved to play their accordions just about everywhere. Melodies could be heard around campfires in the great outdoors, on family vacations in Idaho, and anywhere else Kevin and Walt could entertain. At twelve, Kevin became active in the Boy Scouts of America, eventually achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
When the Ruganis decided to build an addition to their home, Kevin and Walt were eager to help. Peter would tell his boys, “If you’re going to build something, build it right.” Their father taught them how to work with wood (a lost art today), and developed what would become their strong work ethic. Later, Kevin applied these skills in the theatre department at Abraham Lincoln High School and spent much of his time with the stage crew there. He loved building sets and lighting stages for countless drama productions — and this “crew” made up most of Kevin’s friends for the rest of his life.
After graduation, Kevin attended San Francisco City College for a single day, then joined the Air Force. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he went to the SF Airport School to become an aviation mechanic. At night, Kevin would work as a cleaner for PSA Airlines after going to school during the day. Once he graduated, Kevin was hired as a TWA airline mechanic, and was very excited to no longer be cleaning airplanes. Asked about his first day on the job, Kevin replied, “I had to fix a toilet!” Kevin would work as a United Airlines airline mechanic for forty-two years, retiring on August 19, 2017.
On September 14, 1975, Kevin married the love of his life, Linda Caporale. In April 1976, they moved into their new home and started a family —eventually welcoming Michelle, Kelli, Ryan, and Caitlin into the world. Kevin loved spending time with his family, especially camping with his kids in the summer and trips to Disneyland. He enjoyed all the rides and, on a recent trip with his two oldest grandchildren, the kids would have to run to keep up with him. Always ready to host a BBQ (although you didn’t want him to BBQ) or a party, Kevin had no “friends”. To him, everyone was family.
Kevin enjoyed helping others and giving back to his community. He often volunteered for organizations like Relay for Life of Novato, Tour of Novato, and San Marin Safe Grad Night. Every October, Kevin helped Walt build the Ruganis’ Haunted House. Though never seen by the public, Walt referred to Kevin as the “Heartbeat of the Haunted House.” Most days, Kevin could be found frequenting Pini Hardware or the recycling center, greeting everyone with his warm smile and gigantic heart.
After retirement, Kevin and Linda started G&G Daycare, where his favorite people attended and had the honor of calling him “Grampy.” He loved to spend time with his 5 grandchildren: Madison (13), li’l Kevin (11), Iona (1), Kaden (10m), and Henry (10m). Kevin’s favorite activities with his “babies” were watching TV, crawling together on the floor, pushing them in the swing, and watching their soccer matches, baseball games, and dance recitals. He would move heaven and earth for them.
Kevin was a very blessed man, and all who met him would soon learn what a blessing he was to have in their lives.
Kevin is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Eugenia Rugani. He is survived by his wife Linda, his children Michelle (Kitwana), Kelli, Ryan (Meagan), and Caitlin (Ben), his grandchildren Madison, Kevin, Iona, Kaden, and Henry, his brother Walter (Stephanie), and many nieces and nephews.
We ask that donations be made to Novato Community Services (formally Novato Human Needs Center).
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