Ruggery remembered for dedication
Faith, family, community were focus of life
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Donald Ruggery Sr. knew from an early age he wanted to be a successful businessman.
Ruggery, 89, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away March 22 at his residence.
Ruggery knew what he wanted to do, his son, Don Jr., said.
"We found something he wrote going into eighth grade a couple of days after his death that none of us had ever seen," Don Jr. said.
The then-eighth grade Don Ruggery Sr. wrote, "In ten years, I hope to be a successful businessman with a family. I hope to respect and be respected. I will try to do my best and be a credit to my city."
It took a little longer than he envisioned for Ruggery to start his own company.
First, he had a long 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 spring 1992, at age 58, he took his love of finding people jobs and started Interim Personnel.
Over nearly 30 years, he grew that business into one of the largest Spherion Staffing Franchises in the country, retiring a second time as owner/CEO of Ruggieri Enterprises.
"His risk-taking and vision led him to start our business in April 1992, a business that now extends from Erie County to Lancaster County," Donald Jr. said.
Ruggery was a proud Altoonan, and equally proud of his Italian heritage and military service during the Korean War.
"He was a wonderful businessman; with Don, it was family-first always. He was very proud of his heritage and his family. He worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He was a very proud man," said Sandy Mazur, retired president of Spherion.
Longtime friend John H. Eichelberger Jr. said, "Don was a very successful businessman who started and grew a substantial business very late in his life when his peers were enjoying their retirement. Don's legacy is his faith, dedication to family, his sense of humor and his willingness to help others."
Alex Seltzer, president/CEO of Manpower of Altoona Inc., said Ruggery was driven.
"Every time I met with him, I knew where I stood, and I knew what he wanted or needed. He was passionate about putting people to work," Seltzer said. "Don was a fierce competitor and built a significant business in the area."
Ruggery was passionate about community service and served for several years on the Blair County Airport Authority.
"Don understood that public money wasn't to be spent recklessly, he pragmatically worked with the county commissioners to make advancements for the airport," Eichelberger said. "His good nature and business acumen was recognized by the other members who elected him as their chairman."
Ruggery is also survived by two daughters, Karen J. Shriner and Mary Alice Morehouse; another son, John F. Ruggery; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Regina May Pagliara and Margarite Albarano; and a brother, Victor Ruggery.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.