Debra Ruggeri

Debra L. "Debbie" Ruggeri
1955 - 2019

Waterbury, CT Debra L. “Debbie” Ruggeri, 63, the widow of Dennis Jillson, died May 7, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Debbie was born on November 27, 1955 in Waterbury, CT a daughter of the late Ceasar J. and Geraldine (Somma) Ruggeri. Debbie grew up in Naugatuck where she graduated from Naugatuck High School, Class of 1973. She graduated from nursing school and retired from the State of CT, having worked at Southbury Training School. Debbie truly had a deep passion for animals, four and two legged. She would try her hardest to find homes for strays or adopt them herself. Debbie volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she would bring her dogs to visit patients.

Debbie leaves her brothers, Paul Ruggeri and his wife, Cindy of Orange and Robert Ruggeri and his wife, Lisa of Cheshire; her sister, Cindi Ruggeri of Cheshire; her nieces and nephews, Matt, Joshua, Anneliese, Emily and Jordan Ruggeri and several cousins.

Calling hours will be Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 3-5pm, with a service beginning at 4:45pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Debbie’s memory, donations can be made to Poodle Rescue Connecticut, P.O. Box 188, Naugatuck, CT 06770 or at www.poodlerescuect.org.