Francisco "Frank" Ruggieri

Frank Ruggieri was born to Italian descendants Gaetano and Carmela, on July 13, 1927 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Frank’s life had a difficult start, having lost his father at the age of 12. However, the unexpected loss of his father at such a young age had a profound impact in shaping him as a person. Out of necessity, Frank developed an independent and fearless attitude toward life along with a deep sense of obligation to his family and friends. He took on the responsibility of supporting and mentoring many extended family members, leaving many to feel he was like a second father to them. As a young man, Frank developed an admiration for the United States and its promise of freedom and opportunity that it offered for himself and his future family.

Frank’s life changed forever when he met his beloved Clara in 1962. They were wed three months later on August 4th and immediately set their sights on America for a better life. They arrived in the United States with very little to their name, no knowledge of the English language, and the impending arrival of their first child, Richard. Frank always sought to better his life through education, hard work, and quickly taught himself English, then achieving employment first as a waiter in a well-known restaurant in New York City. He then became a truck driver, a dye maker for Chrysler, all while going to college, graduating with honors, and growing his family of three children. Without fear of failure, Frank moved his family to Central Florida in 1976 to pursue his dream of business ownership, which he achieved with great success. His immeasurable love and devotion to his wife and family led to his children’s achievements, which always remained his greatest pride in life.

The latter years of Frank’s life have been filled with the love and joy brought to him by his five grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, Andrew, Nathan, and Gianna.

Frank always told anyone who would listen that he was a very wealthy man. Not because of financial wealth, but because he felt he had what was most important in life; the most wonderful wife in the world, three beautiful children, and many loving grandchildren. Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Clara, his three children, Richard, Claudia, Frank, and his five grandchildren. The void left behind is irreplaceable but the family’s memory of their beloved father will endure forever.

A Visitation will be held Monday, September 28, 2020 from 10:30am to 11:00am with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 5655 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL.