Josephine C. Ruggieri (Gemma)

With heavy hearts, the children of Josephine C Ruggieri (Gemma) announce the passing of their beloved Mother. 

Josephine was born in Providence RI on December 1, 1929 to Basilio and Filomena (Monti) Gemma. She was the fourth of six children predeceased by her brothers Peter, Basil and Greg Gemma, as well as her sister RoseMarie Martin. 

A graduate of St Xavier’s school class of 1947. She continued her education at St Joseph’s School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Her time as a nurse was spent caring for victims of Polio as well as other communicable diseases until she met the love of her life Nicholas during a tennis match at Roger Williams Park. They married on January 16, 1954 at Holy Ghost Church in Providence and spent many wonderful years together before Nicholas passed away on December 15, 2010. 

Josephine, or Nana enjoyed many hobbies including cooking/baking, knitting, sewing, bowling, tennis, music to include playing the mandolin and spending time with her children/grandchildren. Josephine was proud of her Italian heritage and was most happy preparing amazing meals for her large family at holidays, Sunday get togethers and many St. Mary’s Day feasts. She leaves behind seven children: Nicholas G Ruggieri Jr. of North Kingstown, Dr. Robert P. Ruggieri and his wife Dr. Joan Kagawa of Honolulu, Hawaii, Donald L. Ruggieri and his wife Joann of Cranston, Dr. Richard J. Ruggieri and partner Kelly Colbert of North Kingstown, Frank P. Ruggieri of North Kingstown, Joseph A. Ruggieri and his wife Sherri of Richmond and Celeste (Ruggieri) Jones and her husband Erik Jones of North Kingstown, 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren as well as her sibling Anna Laurelli.

Josephine, or Nana (as most of us like to call her) also dedicated a great deal of her life to advocating for her son Frank and was equally as proud of each of her children.

VISITING HOURS will be Friday, March 7th from 8 – 10 a.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, we request that any donations be made in Josephine’s name to Access Point RI and West Bay RI.