Marc Ruggiero

Marc Ruggiero (born in Wilmington, Delaware; April 23, 1955) was a beloved and exemplary husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on February 2, 2025. He married his wife, Jane, in 1981, and their marriage of 44 years serves as a lasting example of true love and devotion to their children and family. Marc was the father to twin sons, Jeffrey and Michael, who continually demonstrate and hold dear some of their father’s best values and qualities: compassion, generosity, a commitment to doing the right thing, and a knack for scientific and analytical thinking.

Marc had recently retired after a career of 43 years as a research biologist focused on agricultural sciences. His work in crop protection sciences truly helped ensure that the world could eat. Marc first met his wife in a potting shed where they were both working as research technicians. Together, they shared a love of nature, plants, and family vacations. Marc especially loved spending time with his family, being outside in his beautiful yard full of diverse plant and animal life, eating Italian food, going to Phillies games, and enjoying lemon water ice from Fusco’s. His sons credit him as the inventor of the world’s best dessert, the ice-cream waffle.

Marc is survived by many friends and family who will carry on his memory in their daily lives and actions, including his mother (Bertha Ruggiero); wife (Jane Ruggiero, née Batty); sons Jeffrey Ruggiero (Amy Shoemaker) and Michael Ruggiero (Sarah McKeown Ruggiero); siblings Lori Brey (Scott Brey), Amy Williamson, and Joseph Bartholomew “JB” Ruggiero; his wife’s family; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father (Anthony “Bucky” Ruggiero) and brother-in-law (Steve Williamson).

Marc was incredibly thankful to the medical staff who cared for him throughout his time living with cancer, even insisting that his family purchase gift cards for all the nurses and staff that cared for him in his final days. In lieu of flowers, and to honor a man who always thought of others before himself, the family requests any donations made in his memory be made towards the team at Abramson Cancer Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania that helped give us more time with Marc.

Marc will be honored at a private service for his immediate family.

Doherty Funeral Homes of Wilmington, DE is assisting the family with arrangements.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.dohertfy.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marc Ruggiero, please visit our floral store.