Senate President Passes Away After Brave Battle with Cancer: Dominick J. Ruggerio

Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio passed away on April 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the state’s longest-serving legislator, with nearly 44 years in office, and served as Senate President since 2017. Throughout his career, Ruggerio was deeply committed to public health and community welfare, championing initiatives to improve healthcare access, support cancer screening, combat the opioid crisis, and promote economic development in Rhode Island. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the state and its residents.

When Did Dominick Ruggerio Announce His Cancer Diagnosis?

Dominick J. Ruggerio publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in April 2024, following concerns raised by his frequent absences from the Rhode Island Senate and his use of a cane. This was actually his third bout with cancer, which he acknowledged during an interview, expressing determination to continue serving despite his illness. Throughout 2024 and early 2025, Ruggerio underwent treatment and surgery, including recovery from complications such as shingles. Despite health challenges, he won reelection in November 2024 and remained Senate President until his death on April 21, 2025. His illness also involved hospitalizations for pneumonia and treatment reactions, but he continued to lead with the support of colleagues.

The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed. Ruggerio’s openness about his diagnosis and his resolve to serve highlighted his dedication to his role and constituents until the end.

Condolences from the OncoDaily Editorial Team

OncoDaily Editorial Team extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. His courageous battle with cancer and unwavering dedication to public service have left an indelible mark on Rhode Island. Beyond his leadership, Senator Ruggerio was a passionate advocate for healthcare, championing initiatives to improve cancer screening access, combat the opioid crisis, and strengthen the state’s healthcare system. His legacy of commitment to health and community welfare will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Dominick J. Ruggerio’s Legacy in Healthcare: Championing Access, Safety, and Reform in Rhode Island

Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio was a dedicated public servant whose legacy includes a wide range of impactful health and social policies. From expanding access to cancer screenings and addressing the opioid crisis, to protecting healthcare workers and improving environmental safety, Ruggerio championed legislation that improved public health and safeguarded vulnerable communities across Rhode Island.

How Did Ruggerio Expand Cancer Screening and Diagnostics?

Ruggerio collaborated with the American Cancer Society to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings and biomarker testing across Rhode Island, improving access to lifesaving diagnostics for many residents.

What Was Ruggerio’s Strategy in Responding to the Opioid Crisis?

In 2019, he created a $5 million Opioid Stewardship Fund financed by assessments on large pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to support prevention and treatment services statewide. He also sponsored legislation prohibiting life insurance companies from denying coverage based solely on Naloxone prescriptions, a critical medication for overdose reversal.

How Did Ruggerio Work to Improve Rhode Island’s Healthcare System?

As part of Senate leadership, Ruggerio supported a comprehensive legislative package targeting primary care, pharmacies, and patient protections. This included backing bills to review and stabilize primary-care reimbursement rates, end prior authorization requirements for primary-care providers, and address pharmacy pricing practices. These efforts aimed to strengthen Rhode Island’s healthcare infrastructure and improve affordability and access.

What Were Ruggerio’s Key Environmental Health Contributions?

Ruggerio sponsored laws to replace lead pipes in the state’s water supply, reduce single-use plastic bags through the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, phase out mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs, and establish recycling programs for mercury in automobiles and thermostats. These measures contributed to improving environmental health and public safety.

How Did Ruggerio Support Healthcare Workers and Retirees?

He sponsored bills to assist retirees affected by insolvent pension plans from St. Joseph’s Health Services hospitals, providing protections and encouraging settlements to safeguard former employees.

How Did Ruggerio Address Broader Health and Financial Burdens?

Ruggerio championed legislation to cap medical debt interest rates, prohibit medical debt lien attachments, and clarify eligibility for supplemental Medicare coverage plans, reducing financial burdens on patients and families navigating the healthcare system.

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Dominick J. Ruggerio’s Commitment to Environmental and Animal Welfare

Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio was a leading advocate for environmental health and animal welfare in Rhode Island. He introduced and championed the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, legislation requiring the replacement of all lead pipes in the state’s water supply within 10 years, addressing a serious public health risk to children and families. The bill included provisions for financial assistance through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, workforce development via apprenticeship programs, and mandatory lead risk assessments for homes built before 2011.

In addition, Ruggerio sponsored the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, aimed at reducing single-use plastic bags to combat pollution and protect the environment. He also supported legislation to phase out mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs and established recycling programs for mercury used in automobiles and thermostats, further promoting environmental safety and sustainability.

On animal welfare, Ruggerio championed laws protecting abused animals and extended domestic violence protective orders to include pets, recognizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable animals in households affected by violence. These efforts reflected his broader commitment to public health and community well-being.

Together, these legislative initiatives highlight Ruggerio’s proactive approach to integrating environmental protection and animal welfare into Rhode Island’s health and safety policies.

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Written by Aharon Tsaturyan MD