Gov. Dan McKee has ordered flags at all state buildings and facilities to fly at half-staff and is asking Rhode Islanders to do the same in honor of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.
The governor’s directive comes as tributes pour in from political figures across the spectrum following Ruggerio’s death early Monday following a battle with cancer. The self-described moderate North Providence Democrat served more than four decades at the State House.
McKee called Ruggerio a great friend and “true public servant who dedicated his life to lifting up the state he loved.”
“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,” the governor said in a statement. “It was my honor to work alongside him.”
Flags are ordered to remain at half staff until Ruggerio’s internment.
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos praised Ruggerio’s leadership on workforce training, lead pipe replacement, and climate resiliency, saying his impact and legacy will be felt for generations.
“Rhode Island will miss him dearly,” she said.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Ruggerio “displayed true leadership in addressing the state’s most pressing issues, from the opioid crisis to climate change and everything in between.”
“Mr. Ruggerio 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,” Neronha said in a statement.
Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore said Ruggerio exemplified the qualities of an effective public servant, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his work and a clear set of values that shaped his decisions throughout his career.
“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,” Amore said.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed remembered Ruggerio as a “distinguished public servant, a champion for working people and our state, and a dear friend.”
“I will miss Donny’s friendship and his unwavering advocacy for our state and the people who make it a special place,” Reed said in a statement. “Rhode Island is better today because of Senate President Ruggerio’s leadership and dedication.”
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said Ruggerio’s 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,” Whitehouse said. “I send my deepest condolences to the entire Ruggerio family.”
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner called Ruggerio “a champion for working people, a skilled legislator, and a true gentleman.” Magaziner, a former state treasurer, said it was an honor to work with Ruggerio on the school construction initiative launched in 2018.
“He understood the importance of investing in the next generation, and the Senate delivered under his leadership,” Magaziner said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo called Ruggerio’s passing “a significant loss for Rhode Island” and echoed Magaziner, saying the late Senate president championed the state’s working class.
“From infrastructure to labor protections, he believed that our state’s progress is ultimately a result of the hard work of our people,” Amo said.
Ruggerio’s passing has garnered sympathies from across the aisle as well.
Rhode Island GOP chairman Joe Powers issued an online statement saying his absence “will be felt throughout the State House and across our state.”
“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,” Powers said.
Ruggerio’s pro-labor stance was not lost on local unions. Mary Barden, executive director for the National Education Association Rhode Island, called Ruggerio “a steadfast advocate for public education” who was committed to advocating fair wages and strong benefits.
“His leadership left an enduring mark on our state, and he served the Senate with great pride and integrity,” Barden said.
Democratic National Committeeman Joe Paolino Jr., a former mayor of Providence, remembered Ruggerio as “a man of reason” who could find common ground when others saw only differences. Committeewoman Nicole Verdi, who once worked under Ruggerio, thanked her former boss for his mentorship and his leadership.
“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,” she said. “His legacy will live on in the institutions he strengthened and in the lives of so many he worked tirelessly to support and uplift.”
State Party Chair Liz Beretta-Perik thanked Ruggeiro for bringing civility and respect to Rhode Island politics and called him a good friend.
“Anytime I was with him, I felt the kindness and warmth that were his trademarks,” she said. “His Italian heritage reminded me of my grandparents and the values of family and community that I grew up with and cherish.”
Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Networks have also lent their condolences to the man they said championed efforts to improve public health and increase access to cancer screening tests.
“Sen. Ruggerio was a resounding voice on so many issues critical to Rhode Islanders and will be sorely missed,” said Ryan Strik, government relations director for the society’s Rhode Island chapter.
This story was originally published by the Rhode Island Current.
