Albert M. Rugani

Albert M. Rugani February 25, 2025 | Age 91 Great Kills, Staten Island Albert M. Rugani, a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in the Bronx to Louis Rugani of Lucca, Italy, and Jean Lamm Rugani of Roanoke, Virginia, Albert's life was one of resilience, dedication, and passion. Albert demonstrated his innate survival skills from a young age. At the age of 11, after the passing of his father, he worked tirelessly shining shoes while managing one of the largest paper delivery routes in the borough. His work ethic set the tone for the rest of his life, one that was marked by perseverance and a strong sense of responsibility. At 17, Albert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Chateauroux, France, where he served on the boxing team as a lightweight, competing throughout Europe. It was during his service that he met and fell in love with Catherine Webster of Edinburgh, Scotland. They were married for 66 years until her passing in 2022. The Air Force also introduced Albert to the emerging field of computer technology, a subject he would go on to master. He worked for IBM, eventually rising to the position of Director of Computer Technology. A lifelong learner, Albert attended night classes at college while raising a young family and working full-time at IBM. His love for the field extended beyond his corporate career, as he also taught computer programming. In the later years of his career, Albert ventured out on his own, founding his company, Pragmation, Inc., on Madison Avenue, where he offered tailored computer services to small and mid-sized businesses. Albert was also an avid photographer, and his work often earned him blue ribbons at competitions. His photographs were sold to private collectors and corporations, and his passion for capturing moments continued throughout his life. A lover of family and history, Albert enjoyed hosting family gatherings and entertaining visitors from Europe. He adored his grandchildren and would create imaginative stories that captivated them. As an avid Civil War buff, he frequently shared stories from this period with great animation and enthusiasm. Albert's legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and the countless lives he impacted. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine, and his grandson, John Dressler. He is survived by his children, Rosemarie Dressler and Philip Rugani, his grandchildren, David Rugani and Samantha Rugani Corley, his great grandson, Jackson Corley, and his brother Victor Rugani. A memorial mass will be held at St. Clare's Church, Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Shore Rotary Foundation John Dressler Scholarship, supporting students with cancer in continuing their education. Donations can be sent to: South Shore Rotary Foundation, PO Box 61068, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Albert M. Rugani

April 4, 1934 - February 24, 2025