Joseph Paul Ruggiero 92, of East Hartford passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, April 15 after a brief illness. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years Anna Laraia Ruggiero, his sister Nonnie DeBenedetto of West Hartford, his daughter and son-in-law Frances and Charles Abrahamson of East Hartford, and his son and daughter-in- law Joe and Kim Ruggiero of Westbrook. He cherished his five grandchildren, Chuck and Shelley Abrahamson of Glastonbury, Dawn Abrahamson of East Hartford, Pete and Cheryl Abrahamson of Manchester, Chris and Stacie Ruggiero of East Hampton, and Lindsay Ruggiero Holmes and her husband David of Henderson Nevada. He also leaves four great-grandchildren. Joe was a WWII infantry veteran who was highly decorated for his heroic action in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from the grocery business many years ago but never stopped entertaining his friends and family with stories about his experiences while working for First National Stores Supermarket and Warehouse and Mott's Supermarkets. The stories, sometimes embellished, never got old and were enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to hear them. He enjoyed watching Baseball, Bowling, and Fishing and being with his family. He will be forever missed by everyone that had the good fortune to know him. A special note of thanks to St Francis Hospital, especially the Resident and Nursing staff of the Attentive Care Unit for their compassionate care which allowed Joe to pass in a most deserved and dignified manner. Funeral service is private and at the convenience of the family. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.