Obituary of Mary Ruggerio

Mary Edna Stinson Ruggerio, 94, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, passed away comfortably at home on February 9, 2021. Mary was born on January 24, 1927 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey to Margaret and Leroy Stinson. The Stinson family lived in Basking Ridge, near the Freer estate as her dad was their chauffeur and farmer. The Stinson's also were the caretakers of the former Eastern Star Home for 10 years, it was a Bernardsville Mountain mansion. Mary married Anthony Ruggerio in 1947. In 1953 they built a house in Bridgewater, NJ. Anthony was a World War II US Navy veteran with 4 Victory Medals and a Purple Heart, which he never mentioned. In January 1980, he passed away. Last year Mary said “when we knew he had cancer, I knew I’d never be with another man “. She wore her wedding ring the rest of her life. Mary Stinson graduated from Bernard's High School in 1944, she excelled in Shorthand. Her yearbook caption read: "Laughing, Laughing, Never Glum, But, Oh Boy, I Have Fun." Mary was an excellent student in school. After graduating, she attended Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, New Jersey, graduated and was employed by Rome, New York Army Air Base in 1944–1945, aiding in World War II efforts. Mary also was a Bernardsville telephone operator and later, the best mom of 5. Mary and Tony Ruggerio were a team, self-sufficient, worked together, didn’t waste a thing, never owned a credit card, got along, had fun and were in love. Mary enjoyed crocheting, gardening, canning, reading, Eric Clapton music, playing advanced piano, a membership in the Mineralogical and Lapidary Society of the Raritan Valley, Breyers ice cream, and yearly family vacations via car. Tony was beyond happy when Mary, despite air sickness, flew to Hawaii, California and Italy with him. Mary is survived by her daughters, Donna Lish (boyfriend Pete) of Clinton, New Jersey, Tara DeLeon (husband Richard) of Easton, PA, and Erin Maciborski (husband Dave) of Nazareth , PA , also Mary’s sons, Tony Ruggerio (wife Janette) of Queen Anne, MD, and LeRoy Ruggerio (wife Maryjo) of Easton, PA. Mary is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 (now 10), Great grandchildren. Mary requested to be cremated. On July 17, 2021, family and friends attended Mary’s memorial at Somerset Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. It began in the chapel and continued at the Ruggerio crypt where her ashes were placed next to her husband, Anthony “Tony “. The memorial was followed by a luncheon. Mary had a quick wit which she maintained throughout her life until the very end. She was steadfast in her Christian beliefs and we know she's enjoying life in God's perfect eternity with Tony, her Mom and Dad, brother, LeRoy and all her loved ones that entered God's gate to eternal life. Obituary by: Tara DeLeon