Angela Carmina (Venditti) Ruggiero, 83, of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, at Dawn Hill Home & Rehab. She departed this world gently, surrounded by the quiet grace and serenity that so beautifully reflected her faith and the tenderness with which God calls His children home.

Born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Angela was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Michelina (Angiolillo) Venditti. Raised in Drexel Hill, she was an exceptional student, earning the General Excellence Award from St. Bernadette’s School. She continued her education at the School of the Holy Child in Sharon Hill on academic scholarship, later returning to teach Kindergarten for one year. Angela went on to teach second grade at Annunciation B.V.M. School in Havertown, where she spent three devoted years nurturing young minds.

From an early age, Angela’s creativity shone brightly. She volunteered as a model alongside her sisters for Strawbridge & Clothier and delighted audiences in lead roles, including “Marmee March” in Little Women at Holy Child and “Jacqueline Kennedy” at the CYO. She later made Bristol her home, where she spent more than sixty years building a life rich in faith, family, creativity, and community. Her love of learning continued throughout her life, culminating in her graduation summa cum laude from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also proudly served as President of the Junior Women’s Club of Bristol.

Angela was the devoted wife of the late Joseph F. Ruggiero, Jr., with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition — a gathering place for legendary 4th of July pool parties, joyful celebrations, graduations, and birthdays. Angela was a gracious and joyful host who truly loved being surrounded by family and friends.

A woman of many gifts, Angela devoted her life to education and the arts, talents she lovingly inherited from her mother. A longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, she served for many years as a Kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, where she inspired imagination, creativity, and wonder in countless children. She later continued her service as an art teacher with the Bristol School Department. An accomplished artist and published author of The Christmas Santa Wore Blue Jeans, Angela found deep joy in creative expression — whether through her artwork, her writing, or the beauty she lovingly cultivated in her garden. She was especially known for her hundreds of personalized “name art” creations, thoughtfully capturing the hobbies, memories, and unique stories of those she loved.

Above all else, Angela treasured her family. She possessed endless patience and boundless love for her grandchildren and was deeply devoted to her two sons. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph F. Ruggiero III (Jan) and Michael A. Ruggiero, and her cherished grandchildren, Matthew T. Christopher, Alexis O. Ruggiero, Nicholas A. Ruggiero (Stephanie), and Anthony H. Ruggiero.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Maria Scarcelle (Ed), Joanne Sgro, and Mickey Losch (Walt), along with many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit. In addition to her husband, Angela was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Frank Sgro.

Proudly serving as Pall Bearers are Walt Losch, Ed Scarcelle, Dante Reyes, Michael Micheletti, Raymond C. Falcoa, and Jody Tucker. Honorary Pall Bearers include Nicholas A. Ruggiero, Matthew T. Christopher, Anthony H. Ruggiero, and Christopher K. Bryant.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI. Her funeral will begin from the funeral home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI. Angela will be laid to rest at North Burial Ground on Hope Street.

Angela V. Ruggiero will be remembered for her quiet strength, creative spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she so generously shared. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.