Donald Clark Ruggles Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20th in Rochester, NY. He was always enjoying the outdoors from hunting to gardening and everything in between including growing apple trees on a busy street in the burbs and raising chickens in the backyard! Don was born into humble beginnings in Hoosick Falls, NY on December 18, 1948. He went to school in a one room schoolhouse, and really did walk miles to school.
He is predeceased by his Father Donald Clark Ruggles Sr., sister Janice Ruggles, sister Patricia Hathaway, aunts Ruth Allen, Doris Hunt
Don is survived by his wife Carol Paola Ruggles, son Donald III (Nicole), daughter Heather (Patrick Doyle predeceased), grandchildren Donald IV (Angel), Isabella, Brianna, Teegan, Tatum, Colton, great grandchildren D’Angelo, Gino, and DB, also survived by his Sister Shirley Cameron (Kenny), nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nephews and many friends.
Don was a happy go lucky guy who was health conscious, believed in being positive, and kept very active every single day. He was a strong man who entered the Marines at the age of 17, during the Vietnam Era. After he served, he moved to Rochester determined not to be a farmer. Don would race cars and win many trophies for his gold Plymouth GTX “Goldrush”. People called him “Mr. Goldrush” in fact. He always worked hard and eventually settled down to provide a great life for his family. Don cared about everyone and would do anything for them but not without a lesson or two first! He rooted for his favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of Nascar drivers, but only if they drove a dodge! They don’t make them like that anymore! We love you Don!
A memorial will be held for Don in Spring 2021.
