Donald Mike Ruggeri

Donald "Donnie" Mike Ruggeri, 72, of Pine Bluff, went to be with The Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. He died peacefully at his home after a long, difficult battle with MDS. The son of the late Amalia and Robert Ruggeri, he was born on April 15th, 1945 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He attended Annunciation Academy before graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1963. Don then married the love of his life Jo Ann Summit on November 7, 1964. Donnie was employed by International Paper Mill, where he retired as an Electrical Supervisor. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council. He had the honor of serving as a Grand Knight during his active status within the organization. He was also a member of Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Donnie had a great love for repairing and breaking his dozers and backhoes, and working long hours in his shop. He loved life and participated in all kinds of activities--especially outdoors--including hunting, fishing and building/racing his super modified mud truck "Charlie Dog." Don touched many lives as a brother, father, grandfather and friend and he will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Summit Ruggeri of Pine Bluff; his sons, Bryan (Laura) of McKinney, Texas and Brent (Kelly) of White Hall; his granddaughters, Ashlyn of Allen, Texas and Camryn of White Hall; and his sister, Joann Ruggeri Kongenski of White Hall. Donnie was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, Richard Ruggeri. Vigil will be held in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son 5 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 with Deacon Noel F. "Bud" Bryant officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday evening at Robinson's. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 2 p.m. with Father Joseph Marconi officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 North University, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.