Michael "Mike" Roy Ruggirello

Michael Roy "Mike" Ruggirello, age 71, passed away peacefully at his Largo, FL home on April 9, 2025, with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Janet, by his side. He was born on August 16, 1953, in Merced, California to Anthony and Elizabeth (Aho) Ruggirello.

Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force fresh out of high school and retired in 1996 after 24 years of dutiful service. Mike enjoyed working on computers, traveling with his wife and children, golf, and reading Tom Clancy novels. In his later years, he developed a passion for running and enjoyed participating in marathons with his wife and friends until a stroke in 2015.

In an unexpected turn of grace, the years following his stroke became some of Mike's most joyful. During this time, he came to know the love of Jesus and found deep peace. He and Janet shared daily devotional, read the Bible, and listened to gospel music together. His final years were beautiful testimony to love, faith, and devotion-made especially meaningful by Janet's unwavering presence and care. She truly loved him for better or worse, until death parted them.

Mike was always a quiet, humble man who loved his family more than anything else in his life. Although, he didn’t always know how best to show it, it was there. It was evident in the way he absolutely lit up when he was around his grandchildren. His quiet love showed through in the immense pride he had in accomplishments and character of each of his children. And it could be seen in his eyes by anyone lucky enough to catch him looking at his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet; his children Jennifer Orr, David Ruggirello (Jessica), and bonus son, DuWayne Ruggirello (Jenny); five amazing grandchildren, Rylie, Evan, Amelia, Macie, and Charlotte; his siblings, Steve Ruggirello (Kathy), Tom Ruggirello (Dorie), Pat Ruggirello (Julie), Tina Pendergrass, and Rob Ruggirello; sisters-in-law, Carol (Steve) Derenzo, Connie (Bob) Jamison, Kathy McIntosh, and Joyce McIntosh; brother-in-law, Tom (Theresa) McIntosh; along with numerous nieces and nephews; great-nephews, one great-great niece; and two great-great nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Ted McIntosh and Terry McIntosh.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 1:30pm, Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UM-Flint Heart Fund, who played a vital role in helping Mike’s physical recovery after his strokes, https://giving.umich.edu/um/web/guest/w/heart-fund-319837. Contributions payable to: University of Michigan-Flint and mail to: UM-Flint Office of University Advancement, 432 N. Saginaw St, Ste. 1001, Flint, MI 48502 or Feed My Starving Children, https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/521429/donate?c_src=shorturl&c_src2=donate . Please select the “In Memory” option.

Mike’s family would like to express their gratitude to all who offered support and love throughout his life.