PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Michael Ruggeri, center, being hugged by Donna Gould, left, and Liz Kingsley. Around them, from left, are Jimmie Carabineris, Kim Sturrock, Paul Bennett, Michael Wilson, Laura Annese, Ted Kuriel, Karen Orlando and Brenda Dumais.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
SAUGUS — The Saugus Police Station’s Community Room was filled with well-wishers honoring longtime resident Mike Ruggeri, a town volunteer for many years.
Ruggeri has lived in Saugus with his mother for many years. His mom recently passed away and he will soon be moving to Virginia to live with family.
“We will really miss him,” said Police Chief Domenic DiMella. “It’s been a pleasure knowing Mike all of these years. He has been a great friend to the department and visits us often. I am sure we will keep in touch.”
Ruggeri is a longtime member of the Saugus Friendship Club, an organization that works with adults in need of services. The club offers social activities and events and has many active members.
Donna Gould, a longtime member, helped organize Mike’s party and is sad to see him go.
“He’s like the town mascot and everyone knows him,” she said. “I am happy he’s going to live with his family, but we will all miss him very much. He’s been a part of the Friendship Club for 20 years.”
Kyle Strain and her sister, Karen Orlando, longtime Saugus residents, will be going to Virginia with Mike, as well.
“We are driving with him to keep him company,” said Strain. “We love Mike and are happy to go along for the ride. We’ve all been friends forever. He’s a good friend to everyone and is a compassionate and kind man. He’s a true gentleman.”
Deputy Fire Chief Don Shea has known Mike for 35 years and said he will miss seeing him on a regular basis.
“I remember when Mike was a little boy and always walking around the neighborhood, helping people,” he said. “It’s nice he’ll be with his sister. He’ll have to vacation here from now on.”
Club member Kathy Tozza summed up the feeling in the room: “Mike is Mr. Saugus. He will be dearly missed. He always has a big smile on his face and makes everyone he comes in contact with feel good. He’s been a big help to so many. He’s got more friends than anyone I know. We all wish him the best and hope he keeps in touch.”
