Saratoga Springs - William Arthur “Art” Ruggles, of Warren Street, passed away Thursday (Mar. 20, 2008) at his home with his family present. He was 81.

Born on April 4, 1926 in Green Island, NY, he was the son of the late Gardner and Sara (Leonard) Ruggles and was a resident of Saratoga Springs for over 50 years. He was a US Army veteran of World War Two and had served in Italy, honorably discharged in 1946. He worked at Behr Manning/Norton Company in Watervliet for over 35 years and also worked at the Saratoga National Racing Museum. He continued to work in his retired years and made many friends at the McGregor Country Club golf course. A devout member of St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, he was a member of Gurtler Bros. Post 420 Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteered for many years for the Special Olympics. For many years, Art and his wife Pat enjoyed their winter golf trips to Myrtle Beach.

He is predeceased by his parents and one brother, Larry Ruggles.

A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, he was married on Nov. 2, 1947 for 60 years, to the former Patricia A. Corey. In addition to his wife, survivors include his children, Gerard Ruggles, his wife Patsy and their two sons, Dustin and Matthew Ruggles, all of Loveland, CO, James Ruggles of Saratoga Springs, John Ruggles, his wife Karen and their two sons, Daniel and Joseph of Colchester, VT, Kathleen (Ruggles) Orefice, her husband Mathew and their two children, Eden Rose and John Orefice of Fairfield, CT, Daniel Ruggles, his wife Kristin and their two sons, Scott and Samuel Ruggles, of Colonie, NY, and Joseph Ruggles, his wife Sherrie and their two daughters, Alexandria and Madelyn Ruggles of Henderson, NV; one sister, Anne Devine of Round Lake, NY and one brother, John Ruggles of Daytona Beach, FL..

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday (Mar. 24, 2008) in St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. Burial will be in Greenridge Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Memorials may be made in his name to Special Olympics c/o Margo Bagneschi, 6 Longview Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065 or Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373).