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Reflections on My Life by Alphonse Ruggieri
(This document was originally published in the Sept. 27, 2015 edition of the Herald Star newspaper)
My persona was shaped early in my life by my Italian and Latin teacher, Professoressa Felcini. She was a no-nonsense type of person who knew how to instill knowledge in a positive way. There was no saying “I cannot do something.” Professoressa only wanted pureness of your personality knowing your best would surface.
From that point, I knew who I was and always gave the best performance I could master, to do all things with freedom of choice, with renewed fervor and with proficiency and respectability in any endeavor, intuit, and service or perseverance. These thoughts have served me well, and I hope to be remembered as such now and the “al di la” of mortality.
Born in Montesilvano, a Province of Pescara, Italy, on Feb. 1, 1928, I arrived in America Feb. 22, 1948, armed with youth vigor and with a diploma as a teacher and ready to conquer the world, so to speak. I found out very early it is true that God made “LaPignata,” a simple clay pot in which to cook dried beans and other legumes and men put the handle where they think fits best, meaning they are the deciding factor. This is the land of the rich and powerful that rule, supremely, no ifs, ands or buts.
After an honorable discharge from a two-year tour in the United States Army and returning to Steubenville, I found my wife, Mary Ann Lopresto. With a little coaxing, we married Nov. 29, 1952. We are preparing to celebrate 63 years together.
And as a civilian, I turned my attention to a radio show called “The Neapolitan Serenade” conducted by Camillo DeLucia on Sunday mornings on WSTV 1340 AM. Twelve years I worked with Camillo with the show. In 1973, Camillo decided to retire, and I took over. I have been with the show 54 years.
Changing the show a bit, I included news directly from “La RAI” via the telephone and articles from the “‘Old Country” that depicted Italy as it had become after World War II.
Then, after an earthquake rocked the Basilicata region in Italy, I asked my listeners of “The Neapolitan Serenade” and community to donate funds and send to the stricken area. A large sum of money was raised and given to the victims. As a result of organizing this fundraiser, Antonio Boccia, president of the Public Works of Basilicata, acknowledged me with a commendation and bronze medal depicting the region from Roman times. This gift I will hold near to my heart for eternity.
Close to home again, my radio show was able to contribute and bring to Steubenville a delegation of 13 participants from the municipality of Montesilvano, Pescara, in 2001. They wanted to attend the Dean Martin Festival because Dino Crocetti’s father, Gaetano or Guy Crocetti, was born in Montesilvano. Mayor Domenick Mucci wrote a letter informing the delegation of the good work done in Steubenville with the festival and praising me for my efforts in the Italian American community.
These activities were a prelude to the forthcoming presentation of receiving a merit under the motion of the Chamber of Commerce of Pescara, Italy. The chamber wanted to recognize prominent citizens, from Pescara, for their lifetime achievements, even as they may be living all over the world. In 2005, I was honored as the chamber chose me to receive a gold medal along with 100 or so others at the prestigious New York City Athletic Club, overlooking Central Park in Manhattan. At the presentation introductions, the statement was made that I was the only candidate who gave of himself to the betterment of others. This joy I felt was indescribable.
Then, to crown it all off, the board of directors of the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival chose me as the “Italian of the Year” in 2011. This is an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life because it represents, you, the people that I have been serving a lifetime. The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival of Wheeling is the second largest festival in America. Robert Gaudio was the chairman with a board of directors representing six counties.
This did not all come easy. The hurdles along the way were many but what comes easy in life is usually not worth your while. In my opinion, the “wanna be” devoid of capability, duty and intellect should read this verse in Dante’s “Inferno” – “Consider your seed, you were not created to live like brutes, but to learn virtue and pursue knowledge.”
Serving me well, my motto has been “Memento Audere Semper” meaning never give up. My goal was for the Ruggieri name to be always respected for its integrity, honesty and good will by serving others with profound humility by those whom appreciate and recognize the life I live. I will continue to be proud of my deeds and my work.
Those who do not recognize their role in life and take the short path instead of trying to earn it will always fall short of their goals. When it appears the pedestal is near, it will be short lived for we are transient humans. I could not have asked for a better youth, although not perfect, it has given me the ability and fortitude to tackle all the obstacles encountered. Looking back now I feel as though I have climbed the highest hill and am now able to look down and rest in the knowledge that I have done my best to merit the acknowledgments that were given me. A hope of mine is to leave the world a little better than when I arrived.
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Alphonse Ruggieri, 92, of Steubenville died Sunday March 29, 2020. He was born February 1, 1928 in Montesilvano, Pescara, Italy. He is a member of Holy Family Church, the Italian American Cultural Club, and was the co-host and later host of the local Neapolitan Serenade radio program for 59 years. He is retired from the Hub of Steubenville. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Lopresto Ruggieri, his parents Mike and Agnes, and his brothers Hugo and Dino.
Surviving are his brother-in-law Vincent Lopresto of Steubenville; nephew James (Nancy) Lopresto; nieces, Lisa (Mike) Moran, Debbie(Victor) Alley and Jacqueline(Andrew) Duke; great nephews Philip (Ashley) Lopresto, Myles Moran and Andrew Duke; great nieces Nicole (Travis) Arnold, Gina Lopresto, Maggie Moran, Dionne (Michael) Best and Andrea (Adam) Snoderly; great-great nephews, Nicholas Lopresto, Hunter Sistilli, and Nicholas Best and great-great nieces, Emily Lopresto, Allison Lopresto, and Kayla Sistilli.
The family had a private funeral liturgy with Mass at Holy Family Church, and burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of Alphonse’s life will take place at a later date this year.
Memorial donations may be made to the Italian American Culture Club, PO Box 1704, Steubenville, OH 43952.
Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com.