Marc David Ruggio

Marc David Ruggio, of Bellingham, an executive chef, died on Monday, January 14, 2013 at the Landmark Medical Center after having been admitted a day earlier from an unexpected illness. He was the husband of Dawn M. (Strenck) Ruggio to whom he was married on May 6, 1995. Born in Tarrytown, New York on April 1, 1965, he was a son of Joseph P. and Lila G. (LaPlante) Ruggio, both natives of North Attleboro and current residents of Bonita Springs, Florida. Mr. Ruggio was a graduate of Orchard Park High School in Orchard Park, New York. He enlisted in the United States Navy following high school and served for four years until his honorable discharge in 1988. He was stationed aboard the USS Emory S. Land in Norfolk, Virginia, where his culinary skills were quickly recognized. He was soon responsible for Officer's Mess and all food purchasing aboard the ship of 1,300 sailors. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and won the Ney Award for outstanding food service in the large vessel category of the United States Navy. Following his discharge, Mr. Ruggio was employed for one year at Pranzo's, a four star restaurant, in Buffalo, New York before enrolling in Johnson & Wales culinary program. While attending school, he was a sous chef at Taylor's Restaurant, a French fine dining establishment, in North Attleboro. After his graduation, Mr. Ruggio began his food service career in Long Term Healthcare at Elmhurst Extended Care in Providence, Rhode Island, under the auspices of Roger Williams Hospital. Employed there for nine years, Mr. Ruggio achieved the prestigious position of Executive Chef. He then began his career at the Village at Waterman Lake, an assisted living facility, in Smithfield, Rhode Island, where he served as the Director of Food Services for seven years. Along with a colleague, Mr. Ruggio won the 2002 Newport Chowder Festival with his award-winning seafood chowder. In April of 2006, Mr. Ruggio began his career at Cortland Place in Greenville, Rhode Island as the Food Service Director for both the assisted living and nursing home divisions. He loved the time spent with residents discussing the facility's cuisine, dietary limitations or the residents' favorite food. He took great pride that his professional standards always exceeded expectations. Mr. Ruggio was a frequent guest chef on the popular TV program Rhode Show in Rhode Island. Mr. Ruggio was a board member of the Rhode Island Health Care Association and was currently serving as president of the Dietary Division. When not working, he treasured the time spent with his children and family. He enjoyed visits to the beach and was an ardent fan of the New England Patriots. In addition to his wife and parents, he leaves three children: Jared Daley of Warwick, Rhode Island and Gabrielle and Chloe Ruggio both of Blackstone; a brother: Christopher Ruggio of Surrey, England; his paternal grandmother: Antonette I. (Grimaldi) Ruggio of North Attleboro and several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Funeral services and burial will be private. Children's room available during visitation. Those in need of a ride to visitation may simply call (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ruggio Memorial Fund, C/O Dean Bank, 411 Pulaski Boulevard, Bellingham, MA 02019 to benefit the future needs of his minor children. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book located on the internet at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are entrusted to the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.