Leona "Lee" O. Ruggiero's Obituary
Leona Osinski Ruggiero, age 98, of Lakeland, Florida, peacefully passed into the presence of the Lord on March 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. A woman of deep faith, Leona loved and served her Lord throughout her life and was known for her homemaking skills, giving heart, kindness, devotion to family, and gentle spirit.
Leona was born on July 9, 1927, in Erie, Pennsylvania, just before the Great Depression, to Walter and Helen Osinski. She was the oldest of seven children and set an early example of care, faith, strength, and love for her family.
During World War II, she was part of the “Rosie the Riveter” women’s workforce supporting troops overseas, making zippers for soldiers’ uniforms at a factory in Erie.
On December 1, 1945, she married the love of her life, Tony Ruggiero. Their marriage was a beautiful Christian partnership marked by prayer and hospitality to others and lasted 61 years, until Tony went home to heaven in 2006. Together they built a loving family and a life centered on Christ.
Lee moved from Lexington, KY to Lakeland, Florida in 2010 and loved her Florida life, living near her two children and many friends. She cherished her church family at Victory Church in Lakeland. She enjoyed many dear friendships there and was an active member of the Adult Seniors group until her health no longer allowed her to attend.
Leona is survived by her three children: Sandy (Bob) Gibilisco of Auburndale, Florida; Tom (Karen) Ruggiero of Valrico, Florida; and Lynn (Mark) Foulk of Westerville, Ohio. She was the proud grandmother of seven beloved grandchildren: Christy Walkley of Kentucky, Susan Reagan of Georgia, Ben Ruggiero of Florida, David Durbin of Indiana, John Foulk of Illinois, Angeline Speaks of Florida, and Michael Foulk of Ohio. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Sarah Walkley, Christian Durbin, Brooke Reagan, Ronnie Reagan, Kyndall Ruggiero, Tinsley Ruggiero, Shepherd Speaks, Isaac Foulk, and Noah Foulk. She is also survived by her two sisters: Pat Galanis of Lakeland, Florida, and Norma (Roger) Carrier of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Services will be held March 21, 2026, at 10:45 am. in the Light of Lights Chapel at Victory Church, 2401 Griffin Road, Lakeland. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am. Graveside services and will take place beside her husband in Lexington, Kentucky at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens, on March 28 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, Lee’s wish was donations to World Missions of Victory Church.
Leona’s life was a testament to faith, love, and family. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. We are comforted knowing we will see her and Tony again in heaven, where there is no sorrow and where, as the Bible promises, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
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