Donna R. Ruccia

Donna Runberg Ruccia, a 39-year resident of Danbury Connecticut, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on August 6, 2022, at Hancock Hall in Danbury Ct. Donna was the loving wife of Frank E. Ruccia, and a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She was born on 1/13/1934 in Longview Washington. She graduated from the University of Oregon where she excelled in the business side of journalism, serving as the business manager of the student newspaper. She went on to work in the advertising department of Macy’s in San Francisco. Her talents of writing, journalism and public relations propelled her into multiple prestigious positions with companies including Ampex, RCA, General Electric, and Key Data.

Once on the East Coast, Donna met and married widower Frank E. Ruccia in 1981 and was blessed with four new daughters. When Donna and Frank moved to Danbury, she opened her own business, RWR & Associates, focusing on technical writing. She then shifted gears and partnered with longtime friend, Sherry Paisley, to produce “Brides Guide”, a publication assisting couples with wedding planning. Frank and Donna were the consummate couple doing everything together, including gardening, traveling, visiting loved ones, as well as volunteering at Church and the local Food Pantry. Additionally, they enlivened Hancock Hall Nursing Home in Danbury where Donna entertained the residents with her piano playing as Frank emceed the festivities. They were a cherished, vibrant team. Donna’s keen interest in other people and world events was always infused by her warmth, grace, wisdom and smile.

She is predeceased by her parents Dora (Laswell) and John Runberg Sr., sister Joann Runberg, husband Frank E. Ruccia, and daughter Elissa Ruccia. She is survived by John Runberg Jr., Pamela (Ruccia) and Mike Duffy, Valerie (Ruccia) Eagan and Mike Eagan, Kimberly (Ruccia) Monson, David Aaronson, Delia (Runberg) Follet, John Runberg III; grandchildren Mariah Monson, Ilayna Monson, Julia Eagan, Max Aaronson, Michael Duffy and Anna-Marie Duffy; grandnieces Cailey Follet, Lia Follet and Sophie Runberg as well as her son in law, David Monson.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, August 15th, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield. 

The family greatly appreciates the love and wonderful care that Donna and Frank received during their time at Hancock Hall. Contributions in Donna Ruccia’s name may be made to Hancock Hall Nursing Home, 31 Staples St. Danbury, CT 06810.

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