Irene M. Ruggieri
Date of Passing:
Irene Marie Ruggieri, 91, daughter of John and Mary (DiOrio) Paolino, died peacefully on February 3, 2026. A lifelong resident of Waseca Ave, Barrington, Irene married John Ruggieri, Jr. in 1955 and enjoyed a loving marriage for 47 years until his death in 2002.
Irene’s world was her family. She was a busy homemaker and fabulous cook, raising 4 sons and enjoying life with a large extended Italian family. Irene was a kind and loving Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her sister Marie Raso (Thomas) of Warren, her sister-in-law Kitty Murray of Bristol and her four sons, John Ruggieri III (Peggy) of Barrington, Dr. Paul Ruggieri (Erin) of Bristol, Steven Ruggieri of Naples, Florida and Bishop James Ruggieri of Portland, Maine. She also leaves grandchildren, John Ruggieri IV (Bridget), Kyle Ruggieri (Kendell), Julie Boynton (Sam), Dr. Danielle Ruggieri, Cody Heusmann, step-grandchildren Matt (Erin), Ryan (Brittany), Jack (Hillary) and seven great-children; Jack, Emily, Thomas, Julian Ruggieri and Avery, Theo, Ella Boynton plus several nieces and nephews. Irene was predeceased by her parents and brother John Paolino.
Calling hours will be from 8:30am to 9:30am on Monday, February 9th at Holy Angels Church, Maple Avenue, Barrington followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Catholic Foundation of RI, One Cathedral Square, Providence RI 02903. In the memo line write John Ruggieri, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund provides tuition assistance to the most deserving students at St. Patrick Academy in Providence, RI.
Dear Bishop James,
I just received this notice of your mother’s death. My deepest condolences to you and all of the family. I will offer the Mass for her tomorrow. See you soon, Dave
Dear James and your family,
What a loss for you all and everyone that knew your Mom. May you tell lots of stories about her that make you smile. Here’s to the all the kind and caring people that we have been blessed to know. Jane
My condolences to the Ruggiere family. May she rest in peace. She will be missed!
My sincere condolences to all of Cousin Irene’s family. I didn’t get to see her often as we got older, but she always had a warm smile and hello when I bumped into her at places like Job Lot or the Café near her home. She was such a good person and now with God, I’m sure.
Bishop Ruggieri and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dear mother. I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful legacy she leaves and her family. I wish you peace and good memories at this time.
Please accept my sincerest condolences. What a wonderful tribute.
Your Excellency, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of deep loss and sorrow. May God’s hand be guiding her home.
Bishop Ruggieri and the entire family my condolences on the passing of your dear Mom. May she rest in peace.
Dale Señor el descanso eterno. Brille para ella la luz perpetua. Descanse en paz. Amén
Dear bishop James Ruggieri, acept our deepest condolences for your loss; our heart and prayers are with you and your family. May she rest in peace🙏🏽
John, Paul, Steve and James, Your mom was a very special lady and loved by everyone who knew her. She did an excellent job of raising you. I am sorry for your loss.
My dear friend Bishop Ruggieri,
I am so sorry for your loss. When I lost my father, the only thing that helped me to get through it was to think about how lucky I was to have had such a wonderful father for so many years, rather than to think of how unlucky I was to have lost him. In your time of sadness, think of how fortunate you were to have had such a great mother for all these years. I am certain that she was so proud of the great son(s) she gave to this world. Wow…what a great job she did.
May our dear Lord be by you and your brothers at this time.
Cathy Messier
My condolences to the family of Irene,my sister-in-law and good friend.
My thoughts often drift back to those times at Waseca Ave when the whole family (almost) was there. Wild times!! ❤️🥰
To Irene’s family, my deepest condolences to her beautiful family. She was one of the first people I met when I went to Holy Angels as the secretary. She was a sweetheart. Now, she will rest in the arms of Jesus and will reunite with John. Praying for her family as they prepare for her final journey. With many prayers, Carol Owens
My condolence. Auntie Irene was a warm loving and strong woman. She had to be living with five males. I have many memories of Autnie Irene growing up and visiting “down the house” as Gramps and Naunies house was referred to then. God bless. I am sure you will all be recalling the moments of her wonderful life. Enjoy in knowing that she is with our Lord now. Tony
My condolences to the entire family 🙏🏻😢