Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D-North Providence, Providence) passed away Monday morning after a monthslong battle against cancer. He was 76 years old.
Ruggerio, a 41-year veteran of the State Senate and its longest-serving member, had served as Senate president since 2017. After missing much of the current legislative session, Ruggerio was admitted to Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence last week after having a “reaction” to a treatment.
Almost immediately following the announcement of Ruggerio’s passing, statements celebrating Ruggerio’s life poured in from across the state.
Ruggerio “will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to supporting working families and strengthening Rhode Island’s economy,” Gov. Dan McKee said in a press release.
In a statement sent to The Herald, R.I. Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos added that Ruggerio “was a perfect gentleman who prioritized respect and compromise.”
Ruggerio’s labor-related legislative accomplishments include creating a personal property tax exemption for R.I. businesses and introducing legislation to permanently establish a program to help Rhode Islanders gain critical workforce skills. In 2015, he sponsored a bill to develop the land in downtown Providence left available by the relocation of Interstate 195.
Ruggerio promoted several progressive reforms, sponsoring a bill in 2022 requiring 100% of R.I.’s electricity be offset by renewable production by 2033. The same year, he supported a legislative package that would pay for universal pre-kindergarten.
“Rhode Island lost an extraordinary leader and person this morning,” said R.I. Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik in a RIDP press release. “He brought civility and respect to state politics,” she said.
“First and foremost, his legacy will be that of a truly dedicated public servant,” Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo said in a statement.
In an email to The Herald, Ryan Strik, the director of government relations at the American Cancer Society, also highlighted Ruggerio’s work in public health legislation. Strik referenced Ruggerio’s collaboration with the ACS to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings and biomarker testing to many Rhode Islanders.
Ruggerio’s health battles caused him to miss a significant number of General Assembly sessions over the past year, leading many legislators to express concerns over his ability to lead the Senate. Despite these challenges, Ruggerio was re-elected as Senate President last December, but his passing now leaves the Senate’s highest-ranking position open for competition.
McKee ordered all U.S. and R.I. flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Ruggerio’s day of interment, and requested that Rhode Islanders do the same with any personal flags.
In addition, all Senate business that was scheduled for this week has been postponed out of respect for Ruggerio.
Lev Kotler-Berkowitz is a sophomore senior staff writer covering city and state politics. He is from the Boston area and is concentrating in Political Science and Economics. In his free time, Lev can be found playing baseball or running around with his dog.
