Dominick Ruggerio, Rhode Island’s longest-serving legislator and a staple of its political landscape, passed away Monday at the age of 76. Ruggerio, who had been the Senate president since 2017, succumbed at Fatima Hospital in North Providence after being hospitalized last week. In April, he had publicly revealed his battle with cancer. Despite his health struggles, Ruggerio campaigned for and won reelection to the Senate last November.
Governor Dan McKee expressed heartfelt condolences, honoring Ruggerio as a lifelong public servant dedicated to elevating the state of Rhode Island. McKee praised him for his steadfast support of working families and his significant contributions to the state’s economy. As a mark of respect, McKee directed that U.S. and Rhode Island state flags be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings until Ruggerio’s internment.
U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse also conveyed their sorrow. Reed lamented the loss of a dear friend and champion of Rhode Island, emphasizing that Ruggerio’s leadership had profoundly shaped the state’s betterment. Ruggerio began his long political journey in the House in 1980, serving two terms before moving to the Senate, where he held the position of Senate majority leader and eventually became its president. Representing District 4, which covers parts of North Providence and Providence, he was often hailed as the “dean” of the Senate.
During his tenure, Ruggerio co-sponsored notable legislative reforms, focusing on easing business operations in Rhode Island through tax code reforms, reduction of bureaucratic obstacles, enhancement of capital access, and workforce skill improvement. He ardently supported the legalization of sports betting, which commenced in 2018, and championed legislation for transitioning Rhode Island to 100% renewable energy by 2033—a measure enacted into law in 2022. Ruggerio’s initiatives aimed to position Rhode Island at the forefront of renewable energy advancements, leveraging clean energy for economic growth.
Among his many legislative accomplishments, Ruggerio was a staunch advocate for addressing the opioid crisis and improving public health. He was recognized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for his dedication to enhancing access to cancer screening and was inducted into their Rhode Island Cancer Caucus last year. Additionally, his legacy includes support for gun safety measures, praised by Moms Demand Action for his stance on enhanced storage requirements and limiting high-capacity magazines.
The loss of Ruggerio is felt profoundly across the state. Kathleen Layton, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, expressed deep sorrow over losing a leader of his caliber and offered sympathies to his family. Despite his personal opposition to abortion, Ruggerio maintained professionalism, choosing not to impose his beliefs on Senate colleagues, allowing reproductive rights legislation to pass.
Before his time in the General Assembly, Ruggerio served as a policy aide to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and later as an administrator for the New England Laborers Labor Management Coop Trust. Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson announced a pause on Senate business to honor Ruggerio’s memory. Remembered for his open-door policy and willingness to set aside personal biases for the chamber’s benefit, his legacy as a considerate and committed leader will endure.