We Remember
RUGGIERO, Daniel Anthony
May 1, 1958 — August 26, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Daniel Anthony Ruggiero, on August 26, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1958 in Trail, BC and, although he left there in his 20’s, his roots remained firmly tied to Trail.
Danny’s childhood epitomized growing up in a small town surrounded by family and friends. He remained incredibly connected to his aunts, uncles, cousin-brothers and cousin-sisters.
After graduating from UBC in the early 80’s, Danny was able to return to Trail for a short time after his father passed away in 1984. His teaching career began in the Lower Mainland including Marian High School, Holy Cross High School, and Maple Ridge Secondary.
On August 13, 1988 (four days after Gretzky was traded to the Kings), Danny met the love of his life at the Nutini cabin on Christina Lake. They were married one year later, and Danny’s gift to Debbie was a set of golf clubs, a sign of things to come.
In 1990, Danny and Debbie moved to Kelowna, BC, where they began their Okanagan life and built their community. They enjoyed so many activities together – skiing, hockey, boating, and golf to name a few – and they were perfectly situated between their families in the Lower Mainland and Kootenays.
Danny started at Rutland Senior Secondary School in September 1990, and he remained in that school until his retirement in June 2019. Danny cared for each of the students in his classroom and the athletes on his team. Teaching and coaching were his passions and his gifts. If you were in Mr. Ruggiero’s class, you knew how to spell and pronounce his last name. You probably knew that he cared who you were and what you loved to do, who your parents were, and if you had Trail connections.
Danny and Debbie welcomed their beautiful children, Lauren (1992) and Anthony (1995). He was often their coach, sometimes their teacher, but he was always the proudest dad and supported his children in whatever they set their hearts on. Both kids were on skis and skates before they entered Kindergarten. Lauren and Anthony developed a deep connection to Christina Lake early on with many activities, including creek fishing and waterskiing; most importantly, they learned the love of family. He beamed with so much love on the wedding days of his children as he became father-in-law to Shawn and then to Shae.
Since retirement, Danny has stayed involved in the School District Hockey Academy – which he started in 2003. He rekindled his passion for golf while working at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Course. Danny and Debbie have enjoyed travelling while Danny patiently waited for Deb’s retirement. By far, their trip of a lifetime was to Italy this past October. It didn’t take Danny any time to settle in to speaking his first language, and the re-connections with his aunts and cousins were unforgettable.
Becoming a proud Nonno to Robbie June on April 9, 2025, was one of his greatest joys. From visiting her in the hospital the night she was born, to taking countless photos and videos to share with family in Italy, he cherished every moment. He loved staring at her, rocking her to sleep, and he even bought her a pool for the summer – always watching her with endless love and pride.
Survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Debbie; his daughter Lauren (Shawn); his son Anthony (Shae); and the absolute star in his eye, his granddaughter Robbie June. He is also survived by his mother Rosa Ruggiero, his sister Cathy Kempston, his brother Joseph Ruggiero (Marnie), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Gabriel Ruggiero.
A Celebration of Danny’s life will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Willow Park Church (439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC).
A private interment will take place at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Danny’s name to KidSport Kelowna.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM provided by Willow Park Church:
Service
Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am
Location
Willow Park Church, 439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
KidSport Kelowna Link: kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/kelowna/donate
Service Information
Service Details
The service for RUGGIERO, Daniel Anthony is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Willow Park Church, 439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC
439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dan was always a ray of sunshine and always so positive. Through our teaching years at RSS, to his coaching my daughter hockey, to his tips and encouragement in golf and the one last drink we all recently shared together at Gallagher’s, his passing is painful. My deepest condolences to each and every family member and may you somehow find peace knowing he made an incredible difference in many lives 🙏
I have such great memories of Mr. Ruggiero when he was my teacher at Holy Cross. He was fun and down to earth, cared about us, and even threw in some test questions that he knew I’d get right. He said to my friends and I that he’d graduate when we graduated (meaning leave Holy Cross). He even invited us to his wedding. He was not only our teacher but our friend. My condolences to the family. Heaven got a good one.
I was heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of Dan. He was not only a colleague in our early years at Holy Cross in Surrey, but as a friend we shared so many moments over the years: long days teaching side by side, spirited hockey games, and more than a few memorable rounds of golf. He had a way of bringing humor and heart to everything he did, and his presence made every room brighter.
Please know how deeply sorry I am. I’ll always cherish the memories we made together, and he’ll never be forgotten.
My thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Frank Roberto
Debbie, Lauren, Anthony and of course Rosa, Cathy and Joe …and Families – our sincerest and most heart felt condolences on Danny’s passing. We were absolutely stunned to hear of his passing. I grew up on Binns Street, very close to the Ruggiero family home. In fact, I was their paper boy.
Danny was 3 years younger but I knew him well. We both left Trail for education and we both landed in Kelowna. We weren’t always close but often chatted and shared our Italian heritage. He and Debbie went to Italy last year and we chatted endlessly upon their return as we are currently there now. I will miss not seeing him at the gym to compare trips. And of course, we wanted to hear more updates on Robbie June. A few years ago, we were in Montreal having lunch and who would be seated very near to us…Danny & Debbie. Always a smile. Always a story to tell. We will miss you. You have had a big impact on so many people – us included. Unfortunately we will be out of the country for the service but you will all be in our hearts. Riposa in pace, amico nostro..
The first time I met Danny was at RSS. He was so full of energy and extraordinarily kind. He always had an infectious and jovial energy which was so contagious. When I ventured into real estate, he didn’t hesitate to give me a chance to represent his family even though I was newer to the business. I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity he gave me. Our kids always enjoyed stopping in to say hi from the bike path and chatting about the city, hockey, or whatever current events were taking place. Danny will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts. RIP Danny, you will be truly missed
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Ruggiero’s passing. He was a great teacher and counselor who had a lasting impact on my life. He helped me get my first job in the trades, and while I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, that experience pushed me to pursue university, earn my business degree, and find my passion in business and health & safety. I’ll always be grateful for the guidance he gave me. My condolences to his family—he truly made a difference.
We are so very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Dan. We share your grief Debbie and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mr. Ruggiero was a very warm and fun teacher too many of us at Holy Cross in the 1980s. He would regale us with stories of trail and Christina Lake, water skiing and hockey. He hosted a fantasy hockey pool draft every year that a few of us looked forward to, even though we could never measure up to the deep research and skilful draft choices of Mr. R.. I enjoyed hearing about his life after Holy Cross and the many schools, people and students he undoubtedly impacted. Rest in peace..
Debbie I was very saddened to hear of Danny’s sudden passing. My most heartfelt condolences. Maria Ridgewell
Debbie, I was so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and all your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Cacchioni
I was deeply saddened to hear of Danny”s passing. He was a good man with an extraordinary heart. He gave so much of himself to so many. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy go out to you all. Marc Casler
He was the reason I became a teacher and I will always appreciate the conversations we had about history, life , and family. Deepest condolences to Debbie, Anthony, and Lauren.
My condolences to Danny’s family for your loss. Danny was a great colleague and a greater friend. We shared many laughs together over the years and I will sorely miss his companionship. As Nora McInerny said, grief is a by-product of love. We don’t grieve what we don’t love.
I never got to meet Danny; I feel I missed meeting a
teacher who made a big difference to many a young adult. Cathy Kempston is a very good friend of mine and I know how important family is to her. She puts family first and losing a family member is very devastating for her. Danny, I wish I had an opportunity to meet you; reading the comments tells me you were well respected and a person who made things “happen”. Peace be with you and now you will fly with the saints and angels. Hugs to you Cathy, Barb.
So sad to hear of Mr. Ruggiero’s death. I remember history class and doing weight lifting before school. He made an impact on me so that I went on to study history and became a teacher.. Eternal rest Mr. R and may wonderful memories bring comfort to family and friends.
Deb and family We are so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Danny . He was such positive influence in our sons lives . Troy truly enjoyed coaching with him all those years. We will miss running into him at CNC frequently, Hugs to all the family. Love Joan and Troy Oliver
Debbie, we were shocked by the news of Danny’s passing. We were in your house just 3 years ago.
I can’t begin to imagine how hard this must be, but I hope you’re being gentle with yourselves as you figure out how to keep going. A big hug.
Very very sad to hear the news of Dan’s passing.
Spent many many days talking with dan about hockey and the hockey program he started at RSS. Am proud to say i was part of the start of that program with Danny as we called him. He was always full of energy about this program and he was passionate about hockey and his family. Just sad sad news to hear this feel terrible for the family but Dan was a great human I think he helped alot of kids in high-school turn to the right path in life, he sure influenced my path with hockey and the trades. Still have to words to hear this news. Rest in peace dan you’ll be missed.
Aww such a great teacher at Holy Cross! Please check out all the comments on the Facebook Holy Cross High school Alumni page. A legend he was! ❤️
Deb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Dan was a very special person, and an amazing teacher. He cared deeply about his students and instilled a love of history in me, and so many others. His classes were the highlight of my high school years and I always loved running into him and reminiscing in the years since.
Dear Debbie, Lauren, Anthony and extended Family. We are truly sadden to hear the news of Dan’s passing and we offer our deepest condolences to you all.
Dan was a wonderful man, and a true inspiration of what a husband, father, brother/uncle, and friend would be. His welcoming and warm embrace will be missed, but his mark that he made on others will not fade.
We send you all our love, hugs, and tears as we help celebrate Dan’s life.
Respectfully,
The Nadalutti’s
Debbie, Lauren, Anthony, and all the Ruggiero family,
I was so saddened to hear of Danny’s sudden passing. My heart goes out to you all. I hope your wonderful family memories can give you comfort. Sending love and my heartfelt condolences.
Cheryl McNaughton
Dear Debbie and Family,
Paul and I send our heartfelt condolences on Danny’s passing. We hope you find comfort in the many happy memories you have of your time together and you find solace in the kind words of family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Deb, Lauren, Anthony
We were so saddened to hear of Danny’s passing. He was so vibrant and energetic and fun. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Although it has been many years since we’ve spent time together, I remember fondly the years you and I worked side by side, and I want you to know you are in my thoughts now. Please know I am holding you close in heart and wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
With love and deepest sympathies.
Val
And Wayne Zilkie
Such a shocking loss…so sad to learn of Dan’s passing. He was well respected and liked at school, at the rink and on the course. Condolences to the family.
So saddened to hear of the passing of Danny. Loving thoughts are with the family at this very tough time.
Therese Pisapio and family
Siamo addolorati per la perdita del caro Denny, una persona dolce gentile e affettuosa.. Abbiamo trascorso con lui e Debby dei giorni bellissimi che non dimenticheremo mai. Il suo ricordo resterà sempre nel nostro cuore. Ovunque sia gli vogliamo tanto bene. Un abbraccio grande a Debby i figli e zia Rosina
So sorry for your loss. Dan taught me at RSS and later when I became a teacher we ended up being colleagues at RSS. I enjoyed wondering down on my prep to see if Danny was in his office, which usually turned into 30 minutes or so of conversation.
Anthony: I didn’t know you but felt like I did….your dad often talked with me about your firefighting career (I’m a POC Captain with Joe Rich). He was very proud and remember him being excited you were returning to Kelowna.
Taken from us way too soon.