CRANSTON - Domenic " Don Rogers " Ruggieri, 76, of Pomham Avenue, a pioneer in broadcasting, and a 50-year veteran in Rhode Island Radio known on the air as " Don Rogers " died yesterday at Roger Williams Medical Center. He was the husband of Janet (Engley) Ruggieri. Mr. and Mrs. Ruggieri would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary next month.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Ludovico and Andreanna (Napoletano) Ruggieri, he had lived in Providence before moving to Cranston 29 years ago.
Mr. Ruggieri was a broadcaster at the Providence Journal radio stations WEAN and WPJB for 40 years, retiring in 1985. He had previously worked for WRIB, WFIC, WXTR, and WEZE in Boston.
He was the narrator for all of Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra's commercials on WEAN, and his voice was also heard on spots for the Providence Opera Theater, the Civic Chorale, the Boston Symphony and the Ocean State Theater. His voice was as familiar as the nearest radio tuned to WEAN. He was the host for Words and Music show.
He began announcing at WPRO while still in high school. In addition to producing commercials, he was a night anchor at the station, reading the news and announcing its overnight programs.
The late Sherm Strickhouser referred to him as "my mentor." Many of his peers called him "the dean of Rhode Island broadcasters."
With one of his sons, he co-founded the Broadcasting Services and Advertising Agency/Broadcast Production Studio.
Mr. Ruggieri attended Emerson College. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and received two Bronze Stars. He enjoyed cooking.
Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Adrienne Zampini of Cranston and Rita Covill of Coventry; seven sons, Richard D. Ruggieri of Foster, Ronald L.N. Ruggieri and Raymond L. Ruggieri, both of Warwick, Robert A. Ruggieri of West Palm Beach, Fla., Steven J. Ruggieri of North Scituate, Michael M. Ruggieri of Cranston and John C. Ruggieri of Providence; 15 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Nicholas and Louis Ruggieri.
The funeral with military honors will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. from Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Ave., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 in St. Mathew Church, Elmwood Avenue. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
Mr. Ruggieri was a broadcaster at the Providence Journal radio stations WEAN and WPJB for 40 years, retiring in 1985. He had previously worked for WRIB, WFIC, WXTR, and WEZE in Boston.
He was the narrator for all of Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra's commercials on WEAN, and his voice was also heard on spots for the Providence Opera Theater, the Civic Chorale, the Boston Symphony and the Ocean State Theater. His voice was as familiar as the nearest radio tuned to WEAN. He was the host for Words and Music show.
He began announcing at WPRO while still in high school. In addition to producing commercials, he was a night anchor at the station, reading the news and announcing its overnight programs.
The late Sherm Strickhouser referred to him as "my mentor." Many of his peers called him "the dean of Rhode Island broadcasters."
With one of his sons, he co-founded the Broadcasting Services and Advertising Agency/Broadcast Production Studio.
Mr. Ruggieri attended Emerson College. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and received two Bronze Stars. He enjoyed cooking.
Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Adrienne Zampini of Cranston and Rita Covill of Coventry; seven sons, Richard D. Ruggieri of Foster, Ronald L.N. Ruggieri and Raymond L. Ruggieri, both of Warwick, Robert A. Ruggieri of West Palm Beach, Fla., Steven J. Ruggieri of North Scituate, Michael M. Ruggieri of Cranston and John C. Ruggieri of Providence; 15 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Nicholas and Louis Ruggieri.
The funeral with military honors will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. from Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Ave., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 in St. Mathew Church, Elmwood Avenue. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
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