Carmen Frank Ruggiero

Mr. Carmen Frank Ruggiero, 91, of Gloversville, passed away May 31, 2014 with his loving family by his side. Born September 19, 1922 in Gloversville, he was the son of the late Tomaso and Philomena Ruggiero. Mr. Ruggiero was educated in Gloversville schools and a continual influence in the leather industry for decades. Carmen began his illustrious career in the leather business first owning Imperial Backing and Finishing Leather in Gloversville. He subsequently founded Pearl Leather in Johnstown in 1976 embarking on a local, national and international presence for quality and excellence. He retired as CEO in 2010. Devoted to his family, Carmen was also an extremely generous man. He was especially philanthropic with children's causes such as St. Jude's and Make a Wish Foundation. He was a member of The Church of The Holy Spirit and a former member of the Catholic War Veterans. An avid and accomplished golfer, he always looked forward to spending winters in Waianae Hawaii. Carmen served his country proudly in the Air Force during World War Two, receiving several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievements. He will be sadly missed. Survivors include his children; Susan Johnson and John Ruggiero both of Gloversville. He is also survived by his sister Anne Ruggiero Mancini of Gloversville and grandchildren; Christina Laird (Joshua), Matthew Johnson, Jennifer Yost (Thomas), Johnny Ruggiero Jr. and Joseph Ruggiero. Carmen also leaves three great grandchildren, Haiden Laird, Evan Laird and Jacob Yost as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Ida "Toots" Rizzio Ruggiero whom he married June 13, 1948,his siblings; Jennie Van Skiver Hunter, Josephine Ruggiero Wheeler, Ruth Ruggiero Medoff, Pasquale (Patsy) Ruggiero, Peter Ruggiero, Louis Ruggiero and Frank Ruggiero. He was also predeceased by a daughter in law Theresa Kwiatkowski Ruggiero. A funeral service will be held 9:30 am Wednesday June 4, 2014 at Kobuiskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-7 pm. Entombment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery Johnstown. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.