Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, 76, the longest-serving lawmaker in the state and an influential local political player for decades, died early Monday.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio earlier this morning,” the Senate said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the love and support of his friends and colleagues. Throughout his illness, Donny fought valiantly, just as he always had for his constituents and the residents of Rhode Island.”
Ruggerio battled cancer and other ailments since last year, leading him to miss a number of legislative sessions, although he clung to power and believed he’d be able to return to the Statehouse once again.
House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said he was heartbroken by the news of the passing of his dear friend.
“I had enormous respect and admiration for his dedication and leadership,” Shekarchi said in a statement. “Even through his illness, we communicated on nearly a daily basis about the important issues facing our state. Donny devoted his life to the people of Rhode Island, which will always be his legacy. This is the end of an era at the State House, where Donny was a true giant for well over four decades, beginning his career in the House in 1981 before moving to the Senate four years later. On behalf of the House of Representatives, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his Senate colleagues, and we will miss him greatly.”
Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat, became president of the Senate when he succeeded Teresa Paiva Weed in 2017.
Ruggerio’s legislative profile credits him with fostering progress on economic development, responding to climate change and education reform.
He was extremely well-liked and well-respected among his members and known as a man of his word.
Concerns about his health became public last year when Ruggerio revealed a falling out between him and his number two, former Majority Leader Ryan Pearson (D-Cumberland).
Pearson argued the Senate’s effectiveness was being affected by the extent to which Ruggerio was absent from the chamber; Ruggerio subsequently indicated Pearson had lost his support, and Sen. Val Lawson (D-East Providence) was elevated to take Pearson’s role.
During a tense caucus last November, Ruggerio won a 23-9 informal vote to continue as Senate president.
In a statement, Pearson said, “I am saddened to learn about the passing of my friend and colleague, President Dominick Ruggerio. Working with and knowing Donny over the last 15 years has been a privilege. Donny was a relentless advocate for working people and especially his beloved Laborers. Over those 15 years, I have learned countless lessons from Donny that I will never forget. I cannot thank him enough personally and professionally for his service to our state. My thoughts are with his family and our entire Senate family during this difficult time.”
Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Newport), who was stripped of her chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee after supporting Pearson, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague Dominick Ruggerio. My thoughts are with his family as they grieve this great loss. Donny was a big presence in the Senate. His ability to bring people together, despite their ideological differences, created an environment of respect and rapport. That was his gift. May he rest in peace.”
Ruggerio was present on the opening day of the session in January, saying he was looking forward to working with his colleagues on efforts to improve the state. But Ruggerio missed being at the Statehouse in recent weeks and was hospitalized again late last week.
Ruggerio’s death will set off a scramble to succeed him.
Aside from Pearson, Sen. Frank Ciccone (D-Providence) is considered a potential candidate. Other possibilities could include Lawson, Senate Whip David Tikoian of Smithfield and Sen. Matthew LaMountain, who serves as deputy president pro tempore.
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner called Ruggerio Donny “a champion for working people, a skilled legislator, and a true gentleman. It was an honor to work closely with him on the historic school construction initiative launched in 2018. He understood the importance of investing in the next generation, and the Senate delivered under his leadership. My thoughts are with his family, including the children and grandchildren he leaves behind, as well as his colleagues and all in Rhode Island who knew him.”
Said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo: “Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s passing is a significant loss for Rhode Island — a place he loved deeply and fought for until the very end. Donny was a champion for working people. From infrastructure to labor protections, he believed that our state’s progress is ultimately a result of the hard work of our people. I will keep his children, grandchildren, loved ones, colleagues through his decades of service, and his loyal staff in my prayers. Through so many, his legacy will live on.”
Gov. Dan McKee said: “Senate President Ruggerio will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to supporting working families and strengthening Rhode Island’s economy. 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. It was my honor to work alongside him. Our hearts are with the Senate President’s family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.”
Ruggerio served in the Senate since being elected in 1984, after two terms in the House of Representatives, making him the longest-serving state lawmaker in the state. He was previously a policy aide in the lieutenant governor’s office.
Ruggerio was the retired administrator of the New England Laborers Labor Management Trust.
Ruggerio is the third senator to die in office in recent years, following Senate Whip MaryEllen Goodwin of Providence and Sen. Frank Lombardo III of Johnston.
