Donald A. Ruggery, Sr. August 4, 1933 –March 22, 2023

Donald A. Ruggery, Sr, 89, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away Wednesday evening at his residence. Don or Donnie, as his siblings and friends called him, was born in Juniata, son of Italian immigrants, the late John (Giovanni) and Eva (DeAntonio) Ruggery (Ruggieri). On September 15, 1962, he married Anna Jean Monahan who preceded him in death a few days after their 59th wedding anniversary on September 25, 2021. He is survived by two daughters: Karen J. Shriner of York, and Mary Alice Morehouse (Bob) of Monroe, CT; two sons: Donald A. Ruggery, Jr. (Kate) and John F. Ruggery (Regina) of Duncansville, twelve grandchildren: Brian (Trish) and Jamey Kisielnicki, Donald A. Ruggery III (Jessica), Emma Ruggery, Maria VanCuyk (Josh), Daniel (Lauren), Benjamin (JuHee), and Adam (Jennie) Morehouse, Luke, Kyle, Kurt and Troy Ruggery; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Regina May Pagliara and Margarite Albarano of Altoona; a brother, Victor Ruggery (Carol) of Port Matilda; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, infant son, Timothy, son in-law Charlie Shriner, and brothers: Robert, Raymond, Joe “Chookie” and James “Tony” Ruggery. Don left Altoona High School early to enlist in the United States Army. He was a very proud veteran of both the US Army and the US Navy serving during the Korean War. Upon returning from the Service, he obtained his G.E.D., and a degree in Business Management and Accounting from the Altoona School of Commerce. He had a long and successful first career with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, starting as an unemployment claims reviewer in downtown Altoona and retiring as the Director of Pennsylvania Job Services. In the spring of 1992, at age 58, he took his love of finding people jobs and started his own franchised staffing business, then known as Interim Personnel. Along the way, his business formally adopted one of Don’s truest beliefs; that “there is a job for every person and a person for every job.” He was honored by St. Francis University as The For-Profit Small Business Person of the Year for his leadership and success in starting and growing a home-town business. Nearly 30 years later, he led that business to grow into one of the largest Spherion Staffing Franchises in the Country, retiring a second time as Owner/CEO of Ruggieri Enterprises. Don was a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church having joined Lourdes after marrying Anna Jean. He was proud of his community service that included several terms as Chairman of the Blair County Airport Authority, Past President of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council, and Chairman of Blair County Selective Services Committee. Don was a big kid at heart and loved when his grandchildren would come to visit. He also enjoyed playing poker, going to casinos, and his many weekly Saturday-morning breakfasts with his brothers. In recent years, age-related dementia impacted Don in many ways, but his ornery smile and sense of humor always remained with him. The Ruggery family would like to thank the caregivers of Griswold Healthcare for taking loving and compassionate care of Don. As a special note, the family would also like to recognize Ms. Elena Blazer for over 10 years of faithful care for both Don and his wife, Anna Jean. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Don’s name to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2700 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601. Friends will be received from 4-7 pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2700 Broad Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16601 with Fr. James Dugan, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.