Anthony (Tony) J. Ruggiero, Jr.

Anthony (Tony) J. Ruggiero, Jr., 80, passed away on Tuesday February 16, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born on March 11, 1940, in East Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Boston Latin School, Tufts University, and Boston University with a degree in law. He served as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the U.S. Navy, had a successful career as a corporate attorney, and established a private practice later in life. He and his family moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina in 1979.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife Anne Gordon Ruggiero of Kinston, daughter Amy Ruggiero, and daughter Bethany Ruggiero of Durham. He is preceded in death by his parents; Anthony Joseph Ruggiero, Sr. and Julia Fatalo Ruggiero; and his sister, Maryann Ruggiero.

Tony’s work ethic, perseverance, and compassion when representing his clients was unmatched. He represented the underdog. He was dedicated to the practice of law and could talk for hours on the finer points of legal principles. He also spoke five languages. In his spare time he enjoyed reading nonfiction, particularly American History and the history of World War II, as well as gardening, listening to classical music, and watching movies with his family. But all would agree that his greatest talent was making others laugh through his goofy sense of humor. He lovingly supported his wife in all of her endeavors, and nothing was more important to him than his two daughters, who will forever miss his wisdom and guidance.

A funeral mass will be said in his honor on Wednesday, February 24th at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kinston, NC. The mass can also be attended virtually via Facebook Live on the Howard-Carter Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Howard-Carter-Funeral-Home-378804352516347. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral or afterward gatherings due to COVID restrictions and safety guidelines. A graveside service for family will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Eastern North Carolina Veterans Cemetery, with military honors. The graveside service may also be viewed via Facebook live on the Howard-Carter Funeral Home Facebook page.

For those in attendance, it is requested that social distancing be practiced and masks worn.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Howard-Carter funeral home in Kinston is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent through https://www.howardandcarter.com.