MERRIMACK -- Michael P. Ruggiero, 55, died Feb. 25, 2010, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a long illness.

He was born in Cleveland, hio, on Feb. 3, 1955, to Raymond and Barbara (Frank) Ruggiero of Brunswick, Ohio.

He loved to coach and was involved with the Merrimack Youth Association since coaching his son in T-ball in 1987. He also coached MYA girls' softball in the 1990s. He was an MYA executive board member for 20 years, tirelessly working toward building more fields so more children could participate in sports in Merrimack. He also refereed MYA basketball games and was assistant coach of the Merrimack High School softball team for many years.

He enjoyed spending time with his many friends and camping in the White Mountains.

He was formerly employed at the former KLA Tencor in Bedford, Mass., as a technical support manager.

IN HIS LIFE: In addition to his parents, members of his family include his wife, Carol A. (Damazyn) Ruggiero of Merrimack, three children, Amy, Dan and Lisa Ruggiero; three brothers, Jim Ruggiero of Merrimack, Ken Ruggiero of Broadview Heights, Ohio, and Steve Ruggiero of Strongsville, Ohio; two sisters, Linda Hottel of Piperton, Tenn., and Diane Ruggiero of Kansas City; an aunt, Mary Lou and her husband, Andrew Nuzzi, of Danville, Calif.; an uncle, Robert Beers of Bay Village, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: Calling hours at George R. Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, are Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, Monday at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Last Rest Cemetery, Merrimack.

Memorial donations may be made to Merrimack Youth Assn., PO Box 153, Merrimack 03054 or to American Cancer Society, Suite 110, 2 Commerce Drive, Bedford 03110.

For more information, go towww.rivetfuneralhome.com .