Kenneth J. Ruggiero, 65 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Sunday June 7, 2015 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Flushing, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Amy (Gleason) Ruggiero.

Raised and educated in Westbury, Long Island, Ken came to the Niagara Falls area following high school to attend Niagara University. There he received his bachelor degree in Physical Education, and master's degree in Special Education. Ken began his career with the Niagara Falls Board of Education teaching physical education and special education at various schools within the district. Ken also served as the city supervisor of recreation assigned to the LaSalle Neighborhood Facility at Griffin Park. It was during that time he was asked to work at the Hyde Park Golf Course during the summer and promote his true passion, golf. For over thirty years, Ken ran golf seminars at Hyde Park for local children and ended each summer with a golf tournament he founded, the Juniors Championship. In addition, Ken also coached the Niagara Falls High School golf team, was a Niagara Gazette sports golf columnist, covered the annual Porter Cup and was involved with Beat the Pro events. In 2012, Ken was honored by Mayor Paul Dyster for his many years of service and dedication to the Hyde Park Junior Golf program.

Following his retirement, Ken worked as a job coach at opportunities Unlimited. In his younger years, he also coached Little League Baseball. Ken had an extensive collection of antique radios and sports memorabilia, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. Ken also enjoyed spending the winter months at his home in New Port Richey, FL.

Kenneth is survived by his fiancé Kellyann Simon, his three sons, Kenneth (Deana) Ruggiero, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Kevin (Kristin) Ruggiero of Wheatfield, NY and Kristian (Meghan) Ruggiero of Niagara Falls, NY. He was the devoted 'Papa' of, Justin, Aiden, Tea and Livia, and is also survived by one brother Douglas (Virginia) Ruggiero of Ronkonkoma, NY as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 4-7:30 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY concluding with a funeral service on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tribute Program, PO Box 1000, Department 142 Memphis, TN 38148 or Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094