Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael RIGO Obituary
A graduate of Boston Latin School, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Naval Postgraduate School, he served as an Engineering Duty Officer, qualified in Information and Surface Warfare, commanded SPAWAR and ONR Reserve units, supported post-9/11 missions and served aboard USS Barry and USS Mount Whitney. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Svc. Medal, Meritorious Svc. Medal and Joint Svc. Commendation Medal. After retiring, he was VP, Intelligence: National Security Solutions at KBR and previously CIO at Centauri. An avid sailor, he loved the Chesapeake Bay, the Charles River and open-ocean passages, including a transatlantic voyage.
Survived by wife Kathy Rigo; daughter, Maryann R. Defibaugh (Stephen Difibaugh); son, Louis J. Rigo (Madeline M. Rigo); grandson, Sage J. Rigo; mother, Mary F. Rigo; brother, Andrew P. Rigo; sister, Marie Elena Rigo.
Memorial Mass on Saturday, September 20, 9:00 a.m., St. Mary's, Annapolis, with brunch at the Maritime Museum of Annapolis. Celebration of Life on Monday, September 22, 3–7 p.m., Winter Hill Yacht Club, Somerville.
Donations to Boston Latin School. (Tribute Gift)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael RIGO
6 Entries
Dale F Szpisjak
October 5, 2025
I met this wonderful family in 2004 when our boys camped at their very first Cub Scout family camping trip. I still remember Mike lending me his rake to prepare our tent site and help me set up my tent in the pitch black night. We became fast friends as soon as we learned we were both USNA grads.
Mike was a role model for both the scouts and the parents. He truly was "...the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, kindness, and charity." I would add humor to that list. I will always smile as I remember the long hikes with the Cub Scouts and hearing him boom out his encouragement to the boys, "We are almost half-way there!" - said no matter what distance remained.
Mike, we are almost half-way there, but you are there now. May you find the peace and joy you have brought to all who knew you.
Shelton Lee, Jr.
September 19, 2025
I had the honor of knowing Michael Rigo as a fellow graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Though our service paths diverged-his in the Navy and mine in the Marine Corps-we shared the same foundation of duty, honor, and commitment to our nation.
Mike was a kind, intelligent, and caring man whose steady presence and genuine friendship left a lasting impression on everyone around him. His legacy of service and his compassion for others will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate. Rest in peace.
Lisa (Bykowsky) Holthaus
September 18, 2025
Mike will always be my IAI boss who loved good hard work and laughter. God bless him and his family
Matt McGrath
September 12, 2025
Fair Winds and Following Seas to my fellow naval officer and BLS grad. God Bless.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Sullivan
September 11, 2025
Thank you for.your service to.our country Captain Rigo.
May you rest.in peace.
Jimmy Considine, Charlestown
September 10, 2025
Sincere thanks for the devoted military service you gave to the people of this nation. May you rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Michael RIGO's name
Memorial Events
for Michael RIGO
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael RIGO's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
