Anthony C. Ruggerio, GD’62, an assistant professor of periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine, passed away peacefully in his home on January 17, 2021. He was 93.

Dr. Ruggerio grew up in Hammonton and Camden, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Navy at the close of World War II and attended college through the GI Bill, then attended dental and post-doctoral school, including a graduate degree from Penn Dental in 1962. He joined the faculty at Penn Dental the same year as an instructor in the department of periodontics. He moved upward, becoming an associate instructor and then, in 1969, an assistant professor of periodontics. Dr. Ruggerio’s research was widely published; he also had a practice in Haddonfield, New Jersey. In 1976, he scaled back his teaching at Penn Dental, becoming an adjunct professor (still in the department of periodontics), but later became an assistant clinical professor, an associate clinical professor, and a clinical associate in the department before leaving Penn in 1990. 

Dr. Ruggerio was an avid music lover and played saxophone and clarinet in the Haddonfield Community Philharmonic and Marching Band, which marched in an annual 4th of July parade. He was also a skier, dog lover, and lifelong Eagles fan.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Vanessa Morenzi), Bonnie Guistwhite, Cynthia (John Anooshian); and two grandchildren. A service was held on January 21.