Gennaro “Geno” Ruggiero, 89, of Allentown, died peacefully Sept. 28, 2016, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of the late Elaine (Schwinger) Ruggiero, M.D. Born in New Haven, Conn., he was the son of the late Matteo and Catherine (Vietro) Ruggiero.

In 1945 he was drafted in the Army at the end of World War II. From 1947 to 1951, he attended the University of Connecticut where he participated in ROTC. During the Korean War, he was activated in the Army and stationed in Germany as 1st Lieutenant. After the service, he enrolled in active Reserves where he earned the rank of Captain in the Military Government.

Eventually he settled in New York City where he worked as financial analyst for major New York corporations. He earned his master’s degree in finance from New York University as well as receiving his doctorate in corporate finance and taught at New York University Graduate School of Business. He became a licensed investment administrator to many individuals and groups and was active in various community projects.

He and his family moved to Pennsylvania where they purchased Goose Pond Run Lodge in Canadensis. In 1978, he received his Real Estate Broker designation and founded Ruggiero Real Estate, Blakeslee. Within one year, he became the first CENTURY 21 franchise broker in northeast Pennsylvanias. Soon CENTURY 21 Ruggiero R.E. had become known locally and throughout the CENTURY 21 system as an independently owned multi-office system with a professional approach to marketing Pocono properties. Today, it is known as CENTURY 21 Select Group, largest CENTURY 21 office in NE PA. In 1990 he was elected president of the Pocono Board of Realtors. He was active in community and professional services having served on several boards of directors including Bear Creek Camp and Trail Blazer Camps of NYC.

He was a member of The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus.

He and his wife enjoyed travel all around the world as well as visiting family in Italy and most US states.

He is survived by sons, Matthew and Walter and his wife Sharon; grandchildren, Dylan and Cheyanne; brother, Anthony and his wife Josephine.

Contributions may be made to the church.

Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.