Rhode Island Politicians react to the death of Senate President Ruggerio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island Politicians are reacting to the news of Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio’s passing.

Senate President Ruggerio’s office confirmed his passing on Monday morning. This comes just days after he was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.

Congressman Seth Magaziner released the following statement:

“I’m saddened by the passing of Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. Donny was a champion for working people, a skilled legislator, and a true gentleman. It was an honor to work closely with him on the historic school construction initiative launched in 2018. He understood the importance of investing in the next generation, and the Senate delivered under his leadership. My thoughts are with his family, including the children and grandchildren he leaves behind, as well as his colleagues and all in Rhode Island who knew him.”

Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi had the following to say:

“I am heartbroken by the news of the passing of my dear friend, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. I had enormous respect and admiration for his dedication and leadership.  Even through his illness, we communicated on nearly a daily basis about the important issues facing our state. Donny devoted his life to the people of Rhode Island, which will always be his legacy. This is the end of an era at the State House, where Donny was a true giant for well over four decades, beginning his career in the House in 1981 before moving to the Senate four years later.  On behalf of the House of Representatives, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his Senate colleagues, and we will miss him greatly.”

Chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, Joe Powers, issued the following statement:

“Though we stood on opposite sides of the aisle, I recognize Senate President Ruggerio’s institutional knowledge and leadership during his decades of service in public office and the lasting impact he made on Rhode Island politics. His absence will be felt throughout the State House and across our state. On behalf of the Rhode Island Republican Party, I offer heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. We pray for peace and comfort during this time of sorrow, and we honor his years of dedication to the people of Rhode Island.”

Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos offered the following statement:

“Today we lost a man who committed his life to public service and the Rhode Island Senate. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s legacy and profound impact is felt not only here on Capitol Hill, but in communities across Rhode Island who will benefit for generations to come from his leadership on workforce training, lead pipe replacement, and climate resiliency. My thoughts are with his family and his loved ones, as well as the thousands of constituents who came to know him over his decades of public service. Donny was a fierce legislator, a loyal friend, and a great man. Rhode Island will miss him dearly.”

Congressman Gabe Amo released the following statement:

“Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s passing is a significant loss for Rhode Island — a place he loved deeply and fought for until the very end. Donny was a champion for working people. From infrastructure to labor protections, he believed that our state’s progress is ultimately a result of the hard work of our people. I will keep his children, grandchildren, loved ones, colleagues through his decades of service, and his loyal staff in my prayers. Through so many, his legacy will live on.”

Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement:

“Today, I join Rhode Island in mourning the loss of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, a great friend and true public servant who dedicated his life to lifting up the state he loved. Senate President Ruggerio will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to supporting working families and strengthening Rhode Island’s economy. His service and thoughtful leadership have made Rhode Island a better place, and his legacy will leave a lasting impact on our state for generations to come. It was my honor to work alongside him.  Our hearts are with the Senate President’s family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.”

Senator Jack Reed had the following to say:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, a distinguished public servant, a champion for working people and our state, and a dear friend. Through decades of service to his constituents in North Providence and Providence, and to the entire state of Rhode Island, Donny devoted his life to improving our communities, strengthening public health and public safety, and creating new opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to thrive. I will miss Donny’s friendship and his unwavering advocacy for our state and the people who make it a special place. Rhode Island is better today because of Senate President Ruggerio’s leadership and dedication. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the whole Ruggerio family, Donny’s children and grandchildren, and his colleagues and friends.”

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha released the following statement:

“Today we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant in Senate President Dominick Ruggerio; one who displayed true leadership in addressing the state’s most pressing issues, from the opioid crisis to climate change and everything in between. Mr. Ruggiero led until the very end, demonstrating the same courage and tenacity in illness as he did his entire life, because of his steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. My thoughts are with his many family members and loved ones. Those of us in public service should carry on our colleague’s legacy with renewed drive and purpose for bettering the lives of the people of our state.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued the following statement:

“I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Senate President Ruggerio, whose legacy at the State House will be defined by his decades of forceful advocacy for working people and his practical, highly effective style of legislating.  Beloved by his North Providence community, Donny was always a pleasure to work with.  I send my deepest condolences to the entire Ruggerio family, including his children, Amanda and Charles, and his grandchildren.”

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio this morning. To be an effective public servant requires a deep commitment to your work and a strong set of values to guide your decision-making. Senate President Ruggerio took on those requirements for more than four decades, serving his constituents and the Senate as a whole with dedication and steadfast leadership. I have always especially admired the Senate President’s commitment to improving the lives of working people, and I’m grateful that these shared priorities were the basis of a great friendship between us. I am thinking of Senate President Ruggerio’s family, colleagues, constituents, and the entire Rhode Island Senate during this incredibly difficult time.”

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chariwoman Liz Beretta-Perik released the following statement:

“Rhode Island lost an extraordinary leader and person this morning. Dominick Ruggerio truly made our state a better place during his 76 years on this earth. He brought civility and respect to state politics during his 40 years in the State House. His professional career was dedicated through his work with the Laborers Union at improving the lives of working men and women in our community. Personally, I feel a tremendous loss. Anytime I was with him, I felt the kindness and warmth that were his trademarks. His Italian heritage reminded me of my grandparents and the values of family and community that I grew up with and cherish. He was a good friend. He was a good leader. He was a good citizen. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”

Rhode Island DNC Committeeman Joseph Paolino, Jr issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Senate President Donny Ruggerio. Our friendship spanned over 50 years, and he served with great longevity and integrity as Senate President. His leadership on the I-195 Commission transformed what was once just a dream into a reality, and his remarkable vision will now become his lasting legacy. Above all, he was a man of reason who could find common ground when others saw only differences. Rhode Island has lost a true statesman.”

Rhode Island DNC Committeewoman Nicole Verdi issued the following statement:

“The Senate President was a friend, mentor, and former boss. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with him and to have learned so much under his leadership. He gave me the chance to lead the Senate legal department and always trusted and empowered me in that role. I saw firsthand how many people he helped and how deeply he cared about public service, the institution of the Senate, and the state he loved. His passing is a tremendous loss for Rhode Island. His legacy will live on in the institutions he strengthened and in the lives of so many he worked tirelessly to support and uplift.”