Anthony Ruggiero (also known as Tony Rugero), 87, died peacefully at home on Nov. 8, 2026 in River Forest. Born and raised in the Bridgeport area of Chicago, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School and DePaul University, then followed his dream to become a disc jockey and attended Chicago School of Broadcasting. His first on-air job was in Morris, Illinois in 1964. There he met his future wife, Chatka, who hosted a teenage show at the same radio station. Chatka arranged for Tony to host “record hops” with many nationally known bands – The Buckinghams, Shadows of Knight, Chicago, etc. He transferred to WKKD in Aurora, then WJOB in Hammond, Indiana. There, local women formed a fan club named “Tony’s Turtles.” The final and most successful career move was to WFYR (Fire radio) in Chicago where he ended up with his own radio show at the FYR station nightclub on top of the McCormick Inn. On weekends he interviewed, in person, all the famous music stars like the Jackson Five, the Lettermen, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Frankie Avalon, etc.
In January 1979 he decided to retire from his radio career and join his wife in her career of purchasing apartment buildings, shopping centers, Florida condos, etc. He also joined the Oak Park Country Club and learned to play golf … for enjoyment only! He was a loving person, always talkative, and loved their world travels.
Tony is survived by Chatka, his wife of 55 years; his stepsons, Emerson Bolen (Isla), Clifford Bolen (Denise), and Lawrence Bolen; his sister-in-law, Erika Poletti (Arthur); his siblings, Marilyn Petraski (deceased), Rosemary Waitkus, Geraldine DiFoggio, and George Ruggiero (Ruth); his step-grandchildren, Emerson Bolen Jr., Patrick Bolen, Amanda Bolen, Lindsey Bolen, Mitchell Bolen, Bradford Bolen; his great-grandchild, Cassie Lee Bolen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Life is being planned.
In his memory, donations can be made to his favorite charity, Animal Care League in Oak Park, animalcareleague.org.