Janice C. Ruggiero died peacefully, Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence surrounded by her family.
James D. and Elizabeth G. Ruggiero welcomed their firstborn child on May 28, 1938 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Newburgh, NY.
Jan attended the College of New Rochelle, run by the Ursuline Sisters, earning a degree in Economics.
After graduation, Jan was set to begin a job on Wall Street in NYC. However, Jan was unable to do so because of serious injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Following her recovery, Jan met a friend of Amy Bull Crist, the Orange County Superintendent of Schools, who procured for her an interview for a teaching position. Jan was immediately hired and this chance meeting led Jan to her true life’s vocation. Jan taught at the Vails Gate and Temple Hill Elementary Schools. For 34 years, she loved, respected and mentored each student. Jan’s beloved career in mentoring the young was cut short due to the ill effects of Lyme disease.
Jan was predeceased by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jan is survived by her siblings Joey Ruggiero and Jeannine Rogers, her nephews Jimmy (Sue) Ruggiero, Paul (Alycn) Ruggiero, Andy (Sara) Rogers, Matt Rogers, Joey Ruggiero and Frankie Ruggiero, great nephews, Paul and Jack Rogers and niece, Jessica Ruggiero and many cherished cousins and friends.
Visitation will be from 3 - 7 p.m., Friday, January 31, at the Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney, Ave., Newburgh. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 1, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 42 Walnut St., Walden, NY.
To honor Jan and help future teachers with their education, a scholarship in Jan’s name has been established. In lieu of flowers, please address donations to Mount Saint Mary College, 330 Powell Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550, Attn: Lynn Frank. Please put Janice C. Ruggiero on the check’s memo line.