Thomas Ruggiero died on August 20, 2017 at home. He was born in Newburgh NY on May 2, 1926 and raised in Kearny, NJ.

He was a World War II Veteran, having served in Army Amphibious Tank Corps as well as the Merchant Marines.

After the war, he began a career in transportation industry with United Airlines.  He then worked for the Flying Tigers, which was a new all-cargo airline and was their terminal manager in Binghamton, NY.   Tom was recruited to become a founding member of WTC Air Freight. He was creative pioneer at the beginning of the air freight industry and became part of team that developed services and handling methods that are still used today.   He eventually started his own company: ACT Air Freight.

He is a Past Exalted Ruler in the Elks club and a member of the Bayville Seniors Golf League. 

A lifetime lover of golf, boating and fishing.   He spent winters in Punta Gorda, Florida.  He is 91 years old, predeceased spouse Gloria (Lotito) and will leave behind sisters Jean Barry and Shirley Garripoli, his sons Robert (Carol) and Stephen (Maryalice) his grandchildren, Vicky (and fiancé Jose), Lisa Marie, Isabel, and Milo and his wonderful companion of 22 years, Carol Trommelen.

In lieu of burial, his ashes will become part of a living reef off the shore of Forked River, NJ.

Memorials donations may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

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