Anthony George Ruggiero

Anthony George Ruggiero was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 8, 1930. On January 28, 2009, he went to be with God. Tony served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps. He was a veteran of the Korean War, the Vietnam War and served with the 1st Marine Regiment, the Chosin Few, at Inchon, South Korea. In his early years with the Marine Corps he was stationed in Bonn, Germany, and Iwakuni, Japan, later serving in Twentynine Palms, California and retiring as a Warrant Officer II. After retiring with the Marine Corps, Tony had a second career in law enforcement where he worked as a Deputy in the Juvenile Division for the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office and then retired with the Louisiana Department of Justice as Chief Criminal Investigator for the Attorney General's Office. In, 1980, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In July of 2003, Tony was one of 400 Korean War veterans and one of eleven veterans from Louisiana chosen to attend the 50th anniversary commemoration of the signing of the armistice agreement held in Seoul, South Korea. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jo Ruggiero of Marthaville, Louisiana. A daughter and son-in-law Corky and James Pleasant of Benton, Louisiana. A granddaughter Tara Saxon and her husband Scott Saxon of Prairieville, Louisiana. A grandson Anthony Pleasant and his wife Shawn Pleasant of Marthaville, Louisiana. Four great-grandchildren John James Saxon and Collin Scott Saxon of Prairieville, Louisiana and Madison Elisabeth Pleasant and William Anthony Pleasant of Marthaville, Louisiana. A brother and sister-in-law, James and Stephanie Ruggiero of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey and a sister and brother-in-law, Annemarie and James Ryan of Hoptcong, New Jersey; nieces and nephews, Michele Ruggiero, James Paul Ruggiero, Christopher Ryan, Matthew Ryan and Jennifer Ryan. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Amelia Ruggiero. Tony was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Tony was an avid stamp and coin collector. He enjoyed attending Catholic Mens' Retreats at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington and the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau. He and his wife, Jo, also enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, the New England Fall Foliage Tour, and Reunions with the Chosin Few. Tony enjoyed all LSU sports, playing golf, and working with stained glass. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren. Visitation at Blanchard-St. Denis, Sunday, February 1, 2009 from 5 PM to 9 PM with a Rosary at 7 PM and visitation on Monday, February 2, 2009 from 8 AM until 9:30 AM A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Monday February 2, 2009 at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Scripture readings will be read by Corky Pleasant and Donna Lacour. He will be buried with full military honors at Marthaville Cemetery. Pallbearers are Don Winn, Scott Winn, Matt Vercher, Sheriff Victor Jones, Terrell Delphin, and Doug Birdwell. Honorary Pallbearers are James Pleasant, Scott Saxon, Francis Vercher, Ormond Lacour, Gary DeBlieux and City Marshal Alton Rachal. The family would like to thank Dr. Anil Chhabra, Nurse Stephanie Ivey, the staff at Willis Knighton North, Frs. Peter Mangham, Rothell Price, Brother Richard Kaufman and The Marthaville Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials in Mr. Ruggiero's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, The Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home, PO Box 4196 Monroe, LA 71211 and the Marthaville Volunteer Fire Department, 107 Hwy 1221, Marthaville, LA 71450.