David E. Ruggles

January 9, 1930 — May 28, 2021

David E. Ruggles, age 91, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hingham, Massachusetts on January 9, 1930, he was the son of the late Harold N. and Jessie (Grant) Ruggles. He was raised in Hingham, where he tried to enlist in the army when he was only 14 years old, but was turned away. He graduated from Hingham High School with the Class of 1948. Following his graduation, Dave enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. At Aberdeen Proving Ground Dave was the only one at that time to get 100% on the exam. They had extra personnel recheck the test because that had never happened before. He was stationed in Iceland for most of the war and from there was enlisted into special forces, earning the rank of Sergeant. He was part of a special mission that subsequently required 60 years of silence. He was held as a prisoner of war for a short time. Upon his discharge, Dave returned to his hometown of Hingham and took a position with Willard Transportation, working as a mechanic, in addition to earning his certificate in automotive technology from the Franklin Institute in Boston.

Dave married his beloved wife, Margaret Anita Beauregard, on April 12, 1953. Together, the young couple made their home in Franklin, Massachusetts and Dave went on to take a mechanic's position with Turnpike Truck on Route 1 in Wrentham. In 1962, Dave moved his family to Walpole, Massachusetts and a few years later, he joined the ranks of Bella Construction, starting his long career as a master mechanic.

While living in Walpole, Dave found his spiritual home at the South Walpole United Methodist Church. He served his church in various capacities over the years as an usher, member of the Men's Club, church dinner auctioneer, and heading up the fellowship time after Sunday services. In addition to his formal roles in the church, he spent countless hours making repairs and improvements and was always called upon to ensure the lawn mower and snow blower were in perfect working order.

Following his retirement from Bella Construction in 1995, Dave and Margaret moved south, making their home in Inverness, Florida, where they enjoyed their retirement in the sunshine. Ten years later, the couple returned home to Walpole, where Dave took on the role of neighborhood mechanic, helping everyone with their yard and power equipment. Dave's smiling face and great conversation brought friends from all over town to his workshop, where he happily fixed anything that came his way and made new friendships along the way. He loved to talk to people wherever he went. He was also known to have stopped for many strangers in need on the road.

While he worked hard, Dave knew how to unwind and relax. He loved casting his rod into one of his favorite fishing spots, spending the afternoon target shooting or flying in his Cessna 150. As an animal lover, he enjoyed the family horse, Mr. Ed, and regularly took in cats at both his home and workshops. However, most of all, Dave loved being surrounded by his family.

Throughout his life, Dave loved his country and everyone who served his community, especially those in public safety, and as a proud Korean War Veteran, he truly earned the title of Patriot.

Beloved husband of the late Margaret Anita (Beauregard) Ruggles.

Loving father of Dianne R. Langer and her husband, Keith G., of Wrentham, Sharon A. Gunn of Milford, Laureen M. McKeown and her husband, Francis X., of Franklin, and Gail B. Carleton of Franklin.

Cherished grandfather of Derek P. Murdock and his wife, Caitlyn, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, Joshua L. Murdock and his wife, Amanda, of Stafford, Virginia, and the late Darren S. Carleton; and great grandfather of Gavan R. Murdock, Brenna S. Murdock, and Finn D. Murdock.

Brother of Janet D. Meller and her husband Edward J. of River Edge, New Jersey, the late Frank Ruggles, the late Spencer Ruggles, the late Harriet Ruggles, the late Stewart Ruggles, the late Richard Ruggles, the late Erwin Ruggles, and the late Gerald Ruggles.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Dave's Life Celebration on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home. Masks are optional. A Funeral Service will be held in the South Walpole United Methodist Church, 1886 Washington Street, South Walpole on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Masks are required. Interment will follow in Terrace Hill Cemetery in South Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Walpole United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 144 South Walpole, MA 02071, noting in the memo line "Ruggles Family Memorial".

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David E. Ruggles

January 9, 1930 — May 28, 2021

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