Clara Ruggiero, age 94, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, July 28th.
Clara was survived by her four children, Anthony, Clementina (Ken), Alfred (Jocelyn), and Carl (Donna). She was grandmother to Michael, Sara, Alyssa, Ellia, Daniel, Gianna, Olivia, and Joey, and great-grandmother to James, Jack, Camila, Catherine, Clara, Lilyana, Isla, Ruth, and Evelyn.
Beloved Clara was born October 23rd, 1929, in Arpaia, Italy. She was the youngest daughter of nineteen brothers and sisters, and the last surviving. She fell in love with her future husband, Anthony and moved to New York in 1954. They were married a year later and moved to College Park (Orlando) to start their family.
Her love language was food. Every Sunday, with pasta and meatballs on the table, the whole family gathered for dinner; a Bocci game frequently followed. Our Pasta night tradition has never missed a beat and will continue in her honor.
She was an avid sports fan, and loved the Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer, and tennis- especially Rafael Nadal. She loved the outdoors and would frequently be found in her garden tending to her orchids and vegetables, as well as caring for her chickens and bunny. She knew more than anyone about current celebrity gossip and would keep the family up to date on who Taylor Swift was currently dating. Clara loved her adopted country and studied and passed the US citizenship test so she could vote. She was passionate about politics, although she wasn’t sure who she’d vote for in the next election.
Clara had an open door, open mind, and open heart. She loved her family fiercely and was so proud of them. She was everyone’s best friend, and her home was the family’s haven. No one had more of a pure heart. Clara knew the richness of having each other was foremost and made her family understand that. She gave practical advice when needed along with her unwavering love.
Clara leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed.