Jeannie Mary Ricigliano

Jeannie Mary Ricigliano (née Rue), 82, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on November 2, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on April 28, 1944, in Trenton, New Jersey, Jeannie was the daughter of the late Robert William Rue Sr. and Mary Theresa (Gifford) Rue. She spent many years in Maryland before returning to New Jersey and later making her home in Florida, first in Clermont and eventually in Port St. Lucie.

Although life initially led Jeannie and Anthony “Tony” Ricigliano in different directions, God brought them together many years later. They married in 1989, beginning a beautiful chapter of love, companionship, and devotion. Tony was the love of Jeannie's life, and together they treasured every day they were given. After Tony suffered a near-fatal stroke, Jeannie lovingly and faithfully cared for him until his passing in 2014. Her unwavering devotion to him was a reflection of the selfless love that defined her life. Though Tony was no longer by her side, her love for him remained as deep and steadfast as ever, a love she carried in her heart until her final breath.

A woman of deep and unwavering Christian faith, Jeannie devoted her life to loving God and serving others. Her faith was not simply something she professed, but something she lived each day through kindness, compassion, generosity, and an extraordinary willingness to put the needs of others before her own. She attended St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie with Tony and, more recently, Family Church – Port St. Lucie, where she continued to find fellowship and spiritual encouragement.

Jeannie found great fulfillment in helping others. Throughout her life, she generously volunteered her time at the Bowie Senior Center, caring for children in church nurseries, assisting at food pantries, and serving with the American Legion Auxiliary in Port St. Lucie. She had a special gift for making others feel remembered and loved, often sending thoughtful cards and encouraging letters to brighten someone's day.

Her devotion to family was equally evident in the loving care she provided to her mother, Theresa, during the final years of her life. Jeannie's compassion and selflessness extended across generations, reflecting her deeply held belief in caring for those she loved.

Jeannie began her working life with the State of New Jersey before devoting many years to being a homemaker and stay-at-home mother. She later returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant, a position she held until retirement.

Above all, Jeannie was an extraordinarily loving and selfless mother to her only daughter, Cindy. Their bond was one of deep love, friendship, laughter, and unwavering support. Through life's joys and sorrows, including the shared experience of losing their beloved husbands, they found comfort and strength in one another. They treasured the simple pleasures of laughing together, sharing photographs of their beloved pets, and being part of each other's everyday lives. Even in her final days, Jeannie's concern for her daughter never wavered. She was Cindy's rock, her constant source of love and encouragement, and her absence leaves a space in her daughter's life that can never be filled.

Beyond her many acts of service, Jeannie embraced life's simple pleasures. She loved reading, participating in Bible studies, crafting, preparing delicious Italian meals, and spending time with those she held dear. She treasured outings to Bay Ridge Beach with her daughter and her daughter's friends, visits with her beloved grandchildren, and time spent laughing and enjoying the company of the “Munjack Crew.” She also found great companionship in walking her beloved dog, Buddy, and endless entertainment in the antics of her cats, Milo and Quincy.

Compassionate, loving, fun, devoted, and steadfast, Jeannie possessed a remarkable combination of gentleness and strength. She was a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and remained committed to her family, her friends, and her faith.

In her final years, Jeannie faced extraordinary physical challenges, including cancer, a stroke, and painful spinal fractures. Despite tremendous suffering, she demonstrated remarkable courage, perseverance, and strength. Her enduring faith remained a source of comfort and hope throughout these difficult years.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Raphael Ricigliano; her parents, Robert William Rue Sr. and Mary Theresa Rue; and her son-in-law, Christopher Wheeler.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Cindy Clark Wheeler; her stepson, Robert Ricigliano (Kristen), with whom she shared a particularly close bond; and stepchildren Mark Ricigliano and Lisa Ricigliano.

She is also survived by her cherished grandsons, Joshua Wheeler, Timothy Wheeler, and David Wheeler; and step-grandchildren Gina Gatti (Al), William Ricigliano, Greta Ricigliano (Whitney), Anabel Ricigliano, and James Mercurio.

Jeannie is further survived by her brother, Robert William Rue Jr. (Terri); her beloved nephews, Robert Rue III (Trisha) and Todd Rue (Hoda); and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Alyssa Siodlak, Elizabeth Ochoa, and Hilda Nahar, whose compassionate care grew into treasured friendships. Their kindness, devotion, and companionship brought comfort and love to Jeannie during her final years.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Jeannie's life on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at:

Haisley Funeral & Tribute Center

2041 SW Bayshore Boulevard

Port St. Lucie, FL 34984

10:00 a.m. — Visitation

11:00 a.m. — Celebration of Life

The service will be officiated by Jeannie's dear friend and former pastor, Josh Rowell, with special music provided by Pastor Josh and his wife, Melissa.

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Reception

Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Jeannie's life and sharing cherished memories at:

Tutto Fresco Restaurant

9501 Reserve Boulevard

Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

In remembrance of Jeannie, the family welcomes flowers or memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of her beloved late husband, Anthony “Tony” Ricigliano.

Jeannie's life was a beautiful reflection of her Christian faith—a life of love, service, courage, and devotion to others. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the kindness she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

And to all those whose lives she brightened, we leave you with the words she so often shared:

“Sending love and hugs.”