Julius T. "Butch" Ruggeri, 88, of Bethlehem, entered eternal life on May 5, 2018, while in the care of the staff of Country Meadows, Bethlehem Twp. He was the loving husband of MaryAnn (Deegan) Ruggeri for over 66 years. He was also know as "Jules" to the many persons he chauffeured during his second career of over ten years. Prior, Butch worked for GATX/Fuller/F.L.Smith for over 40 years starting as a helper on the shop floor and retiring as supervisor of Numerical Control and Order Processing Dept. at the Catasauqua Plant.

Born in Fountain Hill, he was a son of the late Joseph and Virginia (Corina) Ruggeri. He was the father of 5 children, four of whom lived to adulthood. He so loved and admired them that he referred to them as his "Monuments To Mankind." Julius, battled cancer for over 10 years, and was grateful to the medical personnel that assisted him. As a way of giving back, Jules volunteered at several civic, religious and charitable organizations such as the Bethlehem Post Office Customer Advisory Council, Judge of Elections, Altar Server at his parish, St. Anne's R. C. Church where he was a 60 year member and most gratifying, his service as a Road to Recovery Driver for the American Cancer Society.

Butch was a life long member of the North End Wanderers AA, where he served on several committees and also a member of the M.O.R.A. Club of Bethlehem. He will be remembered as a good and loving father, true friend to many whom he cherished. HE will also be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and contagious laugh. He also enjoyed traveling to Saratoga Springs for a few days with the ponies along with his long time friends, Spangs, John and Jackie

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, he is survived by his children, Michele Moore (Jerry) of Greensboro, NC; Michael Ruggeri (Beverly) of Pittsburgh; Joseph Ruggeri (Tammi) of Whitehall; Anthony Ruggeri of Geneva, IL; 7 grandchildren and 2 great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Ruggeri; a sister, Gisa Adele Turan and a brother, Joseph Ruggeri .

Services: Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 9:30 -10:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. all in St. Anne's R. C. Church, 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem. Burial of ashes will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to JAMES FUNERAL HOME, Bethlehem. Offer condolences at www.jamesfuneralhome.org.

Contributions may be made to St. Anne's R.C. Church, 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem PA 18018 and/or American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Dr. Bethlehem PA 18017