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John Rigo Obituary
John Rigo liked to pose as the lovable curmudgeon. "That's Mr. Rigo to you," he would say, when somebody wanted something.
His two great loves were his wife, Elizabeth, and his work as senior vice president at Marsh & McLennan, where he specialized in workers' compensation claims, and put in 50- to 60-hour work weeks.
Mr. Rigo, 48, and his wife had no children, and they were particularly fond of their nieces and nephews. Mr. Rigo loved to play the subversive uncle. Last summer, the Rigos took Mrs. Rigo's nephew, Jackson Meredith, 10, to Rome and Paris.
Jackson was too young for many things he would have liked to do, among them drinking coffee. But every morning, Mr. Rigo and Jackson would sneak out of the hotel, arms around one another, and have a cup together, man to man. On the plane back, the stewardesses were enchanted with young Jackson, Mrs. Rigo said.
Jackson wanted to know how come he could attract older women, "but I can't get the girls in my class interested in me," he said.
"Come back to me in a couple of years and I'll give you a couple of tips," Mr. Rigo
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Melissa McDuffie
September 11, 2016
Once again, remembering your family and friends. Praying God's mercy and grace upon them this day and always and they carry you, John, in their hearts.
Bonnie Sinclair
September 12, 2015
I thought of you and Molly yesterday
I always think of you on 9/11
You were such a class act. I still cannot believe that you were part of that horrific act. I know that you are with the Lord
I am thinking of getting a pwd and plan to call her Molly in honor of you and to the great memories
Melissa McDuffie
September 10, 2015
Another September 11th....The years pass swiftly, but may we never forget those lost and the family members that they left behind. Continued prayers for the family of John. May God comfort and bless you. May He shower you with His loving grace and mercy.
Melissa McDuffie
September 11, 2014
Continued prayers for the family and friends that continue to mourn and miss John. May God give you comfort and strength each day.
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September 12, 2013
I thought about you all day yesterday - you are still in my prayers - may you truly rest in peace - Bonnie SinClair, San Diego
http://silverstarwineryoftexas.com
John Rigo
September 12, 2013
John it is always this time frame of the year that I have my strongest thoughts of you. It is not so much because our names are the same except for a middle name but because of the beautiful life you lived and all those who loved you so dearly. I can only hope in the value of my own life, I will be loved as much when I am gone. Blessings in your continued journey my friend.
Melissa McDuffie
September 11, 2013
Another year of prayers for the family of John Rigo. Weeping with you over your loss, but rejoicing over the life that you had with your loved one.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
September 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family - I think of you today - every time I go past Jose's Courtroom, La Valencia, and the old office off of Morena Blvd. - reminding me each day is a gift - embrace every moment - we never know when it will be our last - may the good Lord bless and keep you in the palm of his hand
Melissa McDuffie
September 10, 2012
Continued prayers for the family of John. Thinking of your family, especially as we approach another September 11th.
November 9, 2011
My dear John I was there for you on 9/11 for your anniversary. I placed a flower on your name. I think of all the good times we had skiing. You are missed. Ted Potterville, New Jersey
Bonnie SinClair
September 12, 2011
John - I still cannot believe you were a part of this national tragedy - I think that I found out about you in 2004 - I fondly remember the times we spent together especially before you left for New York - you were such a clasy guy
Old friend
September 11, 2011
Dear John,
Thinking of you on this anniversary date with a smile on my face and a heaviness in my heart. Peace, dear friend.
Melissa McDuffie
September 10, 2011
To the family of John M. Rigo:
Year after year you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. The memory of John, your precious loved one, lives on, not only in you, but in the hearts and minds of those who visit here to leave messages - even those of us who never knew him.
Ten years have passed and even so, I pray that our memories will never fade or fail us as a nation. I pray that we will always remember the people who were taken from their families on 9-11.
May God comfort and bless you, may He give you peace beyond all understanding and may you find rest in Him.
In Christ,
Christy
September 9, 2011
To John M. Rigo's family: I'm so sorry for your loss and I've read the loving posts from loved ones of John and he sounds like an amazing person and a caring brother. In Las Vegas, Nevada, many of us are running in honor of 9/11 victims and my friend, Becky, is running in remembrance of John M. Rigo. I'm so sorry your family has gone through this terrible loss and I hope and pray that you can somehow find comfort knowing that he is on our minds during this weekend of remembrance.
Becky Hines
September 9, 2011
Although I never knew you, tomorrow I will be running in the 10th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Run - here in Las Vegas, NV. I hope you will watch & cheer with the angels as bib # 573 is for you. You have now made an impression on my life... you will not be forgotten.
September 6, 2011
Dear John:
I worked with you a lot when you were with NASSCO in San Diego. Even though we were on opposite sides we were always able to have a great friendship. I think of you often and know you are happy. You touched many lives here.
Melissa McDuffie
September 11, 2010
Another year of prayers for the family of John M. Rigo. May God wrap you in a blanket of grace and mercy as only He can do. May His love and comfort surround you on this day and everyday.
John J. Rigo
September 13, 2009
It was shortly after 9-11 that in a Google search of my name, John J. Rigo, that your name came up. Since that day, I have always had a spiritual connection to you.
Your family is in my prayers. I know from reading about you through the years, that you are in heaven. One day, in the not too distant future, I am looking forward to finally meeting you and sharing stories of our earthly lives together. P.S. I was born in New York, New York. My younger brother worked as a building engineer not ten blocks from the Center. Blessfully, he was on his way to work, when it happened.
Melissa McDuffie
September 11, 2009
A message to the family on the 8th anniversary of 9-11:
On the first anniversary of 9-11, as the names of the victims were read aloud at the memorial service, I wrote two names in my Bible. One of those names was John M. Rigo. I asked God to reveal to me the names of two people, whose families that He would have me to remember to pray for. Mr. Rigo's name is still in my Bible. I still remember the family even though I have never met or spoken to them. I will continue to carry you in my heart - always. May God bless you and keep you until you are reunited with your loved one.
Friend from MN
September 13, 2008
I think of you often and miss your smile and humor.
Love a friend
September 11, 2008
Dear John, It has been seven years, I think of you often.
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 16, 2007
In remembrance....
Karen London
July 16, 2003
Dear John,
I just learned of your tragic death on 9/11 when my sister, your first wife, tried to reconnect with you while visiting me in New York. I am so sorry to have missed the opportunity to see you again but glad to learn you've had such a happy life with your beloved wife Betsy. I will always remember you for your charm and charisma and as a beloved part of our family. May your light shine on all of us left behind - and I will imagine you hanging out with my dad and raising hell in heaven.
God bless you.
Shirley Gilles
November 3, 2002
I was so very sorry to learn during the anniversary tributes on television that John was one of the people who died in the twin towers.
My husband and I met John many years ago when he was dating my sister, Paulette Mann in St. Paul MN. John at that time was a student at the College of St Thomas and Paulette was attenting the The College of St. Catherine. We were so impressed with John. He was such a handsome, articulate, polite, intelligent, and thoughtful person.
When our son John was born in 1972 John sent us a telegram congratulating us. This was typical of the thoughtful things that he did.
John used to speak of the reason that he had to attend school so far away in the Midwest and spoke fondly of his family.
Paulette and John did renew their acquaintence again several years after graduation. They went sailing together and also met in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She spoke of meeting his father.
Paulette died in 1992. I spoke with John by phone at that time.
Our son John died in 1996. I am sure that they, along with John's other loved ones, welcomed him into paradise.
I would like to extend my to John's family. I will hold John in my thoughts and prayers. My husband and I remembered him the last two days of All Saints/All Souls day.
Paula Rigo
September 26, 2002
My Brother, My Friend... Yes, a year has passed since that horrable day - 09/11/01. I miss you more as time goes on. I know that you are with me always, and will live on in my heart. I will continue to listen for you and your counsel.
I love you Brother and Friend... Let me know how golfing is going with Dad, Pappa, and Poppop...
Your Sister,
Paula
PS: Canh also prays for you, and our family.
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind that horrilbe day last September. Rest in peace forever more.
Anonymous
April 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..JOHN M.RIGO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
jan dudley
March 30, 2002
To my brother who was my friend and listener, I will miss you always. There is a void in my heart. Thankyou for always being there for me. I love you.
;ove Jan
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of John. It sounds like he was a very warm person. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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