Amo, Magaziner Honor Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio on House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) and Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) spoke on the House Floor to honor the late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio of North Providence. Over the course of more than 40 years in the Rhode Island state legislature, Senate President Ruggerio fiercely advocated for the people and places that make Rhode Island unique. On April 21, 2025, he passed away after a long battle with cancer.

“Donny, as he was referred to by those who knew him best, was a force to be reckoned with. A forza, as his Italian loved ones would say. For over 40 years as a state legislator for North Providence — a jewel of the First Congressional District — President Ruggerio served as a champion for all Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Amo. “Earlier this week, we came together at St. Anthony Church in North Providence to remember this beloved icon in Rhode Island history. Today, I join President Ruggerio’s friends, family, staff, and colleagues who will carry on the torch that he lit and ensure that his legacy shines a light for generations to come.

“President Ruggerio dedicated his life to making Rhode Island a better place, devoting forty years of service in the Rhode Island State Senate, culminating in his leadership as Senate President. Through it all, he was a tireless advocate for working people, a skilled legislator, and a kind and gracious presence to everyone he met,” said Representative Magaziner. “When I was state treasurer, I was proud to work with him on the 2018 statewide school construction initiative, where we made a historic investment in repairing or replacing hundreds of Rhode Island public school buildings.”

WATCH CONGRESSMAN AMO AND CONGRESSMAN MAGAZINER’S REMARKS

AMO REMARKS AS DELIVERED

I rise today to honor Rhode Island’s late, great, Senate President, Dominick Ruggerio

Mr. Speaker, Donny, as he was referred to by those who knew him best, was a force to be reckoned with.

A forza, as his Italian loved ones would say.

For over 40 years as a state legislator for North Providence — a jewel of the First Congressional District — President Ruggerio served as a champion for all Rhode Islanders. 

From infrastructure to the environment, labor protections and more, he fought for the places and the people who make the Ocean State great.

Hardworking people like my mom, who worked for years as an SEIU nurse in Rhode Island nursing homes.

Every time our paths crossed, he would remind me how, with enough hard work, grit, and determination, that anything is possible — even my own story.

Donny loved our state and he loved our state house.

Throughout his tenure, he mentored so many legislators, countless legislators — regardless of which side of the aisle they sat on.

His passing last week after a lengthy battle with cancer is both a profound loss for our community and for our state.

Earlier this week, we came together at St. Anthony Church in North Providence to remember this beloved icon in Rhode Island history.

Today, I join President Ruggerio’s friends, family, staff, and colleagues who will carry on the torch that he lit and ensure that his legacy shines a light for generations to come.

MAGAZINER REMARKS AS DELIVERED

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a true Rhode Island public servant, State Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. 

President Ruggerio dedicated his life to making Rhode Island a better place, devoting forty years of service in the Rhode Island State Senate, culminating in his leadership as Senate President.

Through it all, he was a tireless advocate for working people, a skilled legislator, and a kind and gracious presence to everyone he met.

President Ruggerio made his career in the labor movement, working with the Laborer’s International Union of North America before retiring where he assumed the office of Senate President. 

During his tenure in the Senate, he championed raising the minimum wage, protecting workers’ pensions, and rebuilding infrastructure among many other causes.

When I was state treasurer, I was proud to work with him on the 2018 statewide school construction initiative, where we made a historic investment in repairing or replacing hundreds of Rhode Island public school buildings.

I saw on that occasion and throughout my time in the State House that his commitment to the future of our state was unwavering.

My thoughts are with Dominick Ruggerio’s family on his passing this past week, particularly with his children Charlie and Amanda, and his four grandchildren, and with all in Rhode Island who had the privilege to know and to work with him.

I yield back.

###