RI Senate President Ruggerio Dies at 76

Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, the longest-serving member of the state legislature, died at age 76 after a lengthy battle with cancer and related complications. First elected in 1980, Ruggerio became Senate president in 2017 and was known as an old-school Democrat with deep union ties and socially conservative views. He played a central role in advancing union legislation, legalizing sports betting, and implementing business tax cuts and economic development initiatives. Illness, including cancer and pneumonia, caused him to miss significant portions of recent legislative sessions, and he had been hospitalized shortly before his death. Funeral services are scheduled for April 27 and April 28 in North Providence. Ruggerio is remembered for his dedication to his constituents and his influential presence in Rhode Island politics.