Robin Ann Ruggieri

Robin Ann Ruggieri, 70, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, at the Presbyterian Residential Community in New Hartford, NY. Born in Cranston, RI to the late Anthony and Assunta (Sue) Ruggieri, Robin was the second eldest of nine siblings. She later moved with her family to Poughkeepsie, NY, where she spent most of her life. Robin was a student of ballet at the Rutherford Ballet School and performed recitals regularly in the community alongside her sisters, Adrienne and Linda, as pianists. She graduated as valedictorian from St. Anne's Institute in Albany NY.

After graduating, she returned to Poughkeepsie where she put down roots and became a loving mother, wife and a caretaker for adults with disabilities. Her compassion and deep understanding that those with disabilities deserve dignity and care brought success in her line of work, leading her to a supervisory role at Dutchess ARC where she had a positive impact on the lives of many.

Robin was predeceased by her son, Joel Mark Kaiser, her nieces, Ashley and Vanessa Burger, and her nephew Nicholas Wennersten. She is also predeceased by Alexander Scott, to whom she was a House Parent to for many years.

Robin is survived by her daughter, Jenean Jessen of Ilion, NY, and granddaughter, Taryn (Colin) Jessen-Jewett of Prospect NY, Adrienne Ruggieri-Hoffer of Callicoon, NY, Linda Burdick of Garfield, NJ, Mark (Debbie) Ruggieri of Poughkeepsie, NY, Sally Kuhl of Mohawk, NY, Paul (Debbie) Ruggieri of Milton, NY, Lucille (Jeff) Lang of Pine Bush, NY, Katrina (Nels) Wennersten of Poughkeepsie, NY and Larissa (George) Burger of Poughkeepsie, NY, and too many nieces and nephews to name.

It is an understatement to say that Robin was loved immensely by her big, boisterous family. She will be remembered for her generous love, her wit, and always being the auntie with an extra cigarette and a listening ear. We will especially not forget how she made others laugh so hard with her sharp tongue to cut through nonsense.

Robin leaves a legacy of art and music which were so much a part of her life. She was beautiful and talented and loved by all her knew her.

A small graveside service will take place on Thursday, September 18 at 10 a.m. under the guidance of the Enea Funeral Home in Ilion, NY and burial will be at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion.

A memorial will be planned for Spring of 2026.

Her daughter Jenean would like to especially thank her son in law Colin Jessen-Jewett for his loving and compassionate care to Nona Robin for many months prior to her transition to Assisted Living. Her daughter Taryn for her gentle strength and support during this emotional journey with Nona. Auntie Katrina for being a Warrior Sister/Auntie Mama, Her Auntie Mama Larissa for always being there to listen and give encouragement. Her cousin Bryanne for being a present earth angel at the passing of her brother Joel and Mama Robin.

In addition, many thanks to Robin's caregivers and staff over the past two years at the ESSHI program (The Meadows Senior Living) and Presbyterian Residential Community, and the love and support of too many to be named on this journey.

Robin and her family are under the care of the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors, 4309 Acme Rd. Ilion, NY 13357. 315-894-8000