Mr. Joseph L. Ruggiero, 68 of N. Utica passed away on Friday November 5, 2010 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford with his loving family by his side. Joseph was born in Utica on September 26, 1942 the son of Luca and Filomena (Lobravico) Ruggiero He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Proctor High School. Joseph honorably served in the US Navy during the Korean War. On September 24, 1966 Joseph married Joyce D. Oastler, a loving and devoted union of 44 years. At one time Joe was employed with General Electric Company, later with Chicago Market and most recently with the Utica Parking Authority. For many years he worked as head usher with the Utica Memorial Auditorium, a job he truly loved. Joe was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John's in Utica, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, parish council president and for many years as chairman of annual parish festival. He was also a drum corps enthusiast and a member of the Yankee Cadets Drum Corps. Joe was an avid hunter, a NY Yankee, NY Giants and NY Rangers fan, and received his greatest joy from attending his grandchildren's many sporting events. Mr. Ruggiero is survived by his beloved wife Joyce; two daughters and one son-in-law, Christina and Joseph Kallasy of New Hartford and Andrea Ruggiero-DeLoach of FL. 4 cherished grandchildren, Tyler Kallasy, Shae Kallasy, Janea Morgan DeLoach and Olivia Whitney DeLoach; one brother, Anthony Ruggiero of Utica; a nephew and godson, Luca Ruggiero and his wife Karen of Ilion; niece, Philomena Ruggiero of Utica; sister-in-law, Laurel Zogby and her husband Kamil of Utica; brother-in-law, George Oastler of CA and special friend, Tom Reagan. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Mr. Ruggiero's funeral will be held on Tuesday November 9, 2010 at 9:15 a.m. from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 10:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John's Church in Utica where his mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Monday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Historic Old St. John's Church in Joseph's memory. Mr. Ruggiero's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, the radiation department at Faxton Hospital Regional Cancer Center and Dr. Atul Butala for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Joe over the past year.