Obituary of Joseph J. Ruggirello

Joseph Ruggirello, son of John and Madeline Ruggirello, eldest brother to Louis Ruggirello. On November 17th, 2025, Joseph closed his eyes for the last time. After 83 great years on earth, he unfortunately has passed away. Husband to his Wife Deborah, Father to Joseph, Mark, Jill, Craig, and Sabrina. Grandfather to Ten Grandchildren, Great Grandfather to Two.

Joseph was born and raised on Staten Island. An Honor Roll graduate, valedictorian, earning his name in gold forever being on the wall of Port Richmond High School. Joseph was a very well-educated young man as he attended Miami University and Wagner College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Joseph served in the U.S. Army Reserves during the 1960’s. He later then became President of International Trading for Marine Midland Bank in Manhattan where he met his wife, Deborah. His charm and wittiness won her over, them meeting blossomed a beautiful relationship and then eventually into marriage. He traveled the world working for his bank while building his life with his future wife. Eventually in 1984 he retired, but he wasn’t done there. He then from the ground up with his wife Deborah and his longtime friend Lou Manfar opened Rainbow’s End Antiques in 1984.  He was self-taught Antique Dealer! Extremely knowledgeable in all fields of Antique Business, he read every book there was on antiques, went to every auction, and had the best eye for thrown away treasures. He loved the thrill of buying and selling collectibles. That was his passion! His knowledge of Antiques was incredible! A self-taught Antiques Dealer for many years on Staten Island, so much so his house was always filled with the most interesting, one-of-a-kind items you would think you’d find in a museum. He had his antique shop open in Port Richmond for over 3 decades, all the treasures over the years he sourced couldn’t even be counted.

His passion for antiques was just as strong as his passion for gardening. You could always find him out in his large garden. Fruit trees, fig trees, and vegetables were many items he was known for. His tomatoes were phenomenal! You couldn’t get them like that at the store. Joseph also loved to hunt, fish and crab during his early years. The man loved his food, especially fresh bread from Everesto. Joseph loved the simple things in life, his house in Pennsylvania captivated just that. Joseph and Deborah spent many years in that house in Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed rural life. All family and friends would come and spend a day, or a few because once you got there you never wanted to leave. It was magical. They had many animals on their property, Horses, Goats, Chickens, and Rabbits, just to name a few. It was his happy place in life! He could spend all his days at the farm if he could but made sure, he was back on the weekend to open the store! He never failed to make anyone laugh with his own humor he had, he was such a wiseass, but everyone loved it because that is just how he always was. But surely if you’d ask him for a piece of advice you would receive some advice you would never forget first the rest of your life. He had so much wisdom to share, a true character Joseph was, and he will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers please donate to: Wish4life.org

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