Community Corner

Parsippany Valentine's Day Spotlight Couple: Tracy & Mike Ruggiero

In honor of the holiday of love, we're chatting about lasting love with Parsippany's most interesting couples.

Parsippany has its fair share of prominent lovebirds, but this couple stands out among the rest, especially as we anticipate Valentine’s Day.

In this installment of Parsippany Couple Spotlight, we'll find out what makes Tracy and Mike Ruggiero so sweet.

The Sweethearts:

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Tracy Ruggiero, a hardworking paraprofessional for the Parsippany-Troy Hills school district

Mike Ruggiero, a sales professional and manager of the 2012 Par-Troy Little League East team that went all the way to Williamsport.

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Tracy speaks for the pair.

So, how did you lovebirds meet?

We met down the shore, Long Beach Island. I entered a bikini contest, and two nights later, Mike saw me again at a club and began to talk to me. The rest of the story is history. We dated for a year and a half and then got married.

How long have you been together?

We have been together for 24 years.

What’s the secret to a successful and happy relationship?

Always remember to love, support and respect each other. Be honest. Work hard together through the good times and the bad. Live for today and enjoy every moment. Never go to bed being mad at each other. And lastly, say "I love you" to each other.

What famous couple do you emulate?

We really can't think of a famous couple that we emulate. We are known by people as Mike and Tracy with the four boys.

Why did you settle in Parsippany, and how long have you lived here?

After we had our first son, we needed a bigger house with an awesome yard and good school district. We looked in several towns and finally found our house here in Parsippany. It was on a cul de sac, and the high school fields were behind us. It was a wonderful place to raise a family. We moved to Parsippany in 1994. Since then, our family has grown: We now have four sons: Evan, Ryan, Matthew and Daniel. 

What’s your favorite romantic night out in Parsippany and why?

Over the past few years, we have spent a lot of time watching our sons on the field play baseball and soccer and run track. It's just nice to be able to sit outside during the summer months in our back yard and spend some time with each other after a long, busy day.


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