Ruggerie, Francis W. devoted husband of Mary T. Ruggerie (nee Sheridan); dear father of Frank (Theresa), Dennis (Debra), Terrance, Jay, Regina (Patrick) Hughes; beloved grandfather of Dominic Ruggerie, Anthony and Maria Hughes; Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Hospice of Hamilton, age 87, a Fairfield resident.



Born in Tamaqua, PA on October 15, 1922, Fran entered the United States Army after graduating from high school in 1940. He had an outstanding military service record. He was a "point" platoon sergeant in the 125th Reconnaissance Squad. His unit endured 309 days of continuous battle, mostly behind enemy lines, while spearheading a drive from the hedge rows of Normandy to link up with the Russians at Appollendorf, Germany.



Following the war, he entered the University of Cincinnati on the GI Bill. He became a partner and owner of three Cincinnati bowling centers, The Gold Triangle: See-More Lanes, Colerain Bowl and Northwest Bowl. Fran worked tirelessly for 60 years to develop and promote the game of bowling. Closest to his heart was working with youth while developing some of the largest youth programs in the country. He received many of the industry's highest awards and was inducted into three of the industry's Halls of Fame. In addition, Fran served on the Boards of Apollo Savings & Loan and Mid-American Bank



Friends may call from 9:30-11:00 am Monday at Sacred Heart Church, 400 Nilles Rd Fairfield, OH 45014. Funeral Mass at 11am Monday in the church. Memorials to St. Vincent de Paul of Sacred Heart Church. www.zettlerfuneralhome.com