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BORN
1933
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Peter Riga Obituary
1933-2018
Peter J. Riga, PhD, LLM, JSD, JD, STD, THD, PHL
March 29, 2018
Dear father of Christine, P.J. (Nicole) and Thomas (Michelle) Riga and survived by their mother Violet Punturiero; Marie Claire Riga and her mother Patricia Richartz; Loving grandfather of Liana, Alicia, Luke, Sara, Alexandra, Nicole and Aidan.
Son of the late John and Margherita (Cannito) Riga; Brother of Victoria (Dave) and Frank (Ann) Riga; uncle of Carl, John, Peter, Paul, John T., Mary, Joseph, Francis and Jeanne.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 9:30AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church (please assemble at church). Friends may call Thursday from 6-8 PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC., (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Dr. Riga was an attorney, author and professor of law, philosophy and theology. Dr. Riga was a former priest for the Diocese of Buffalo and was a US Army Chaplain.
Please share your online condolences at:
www.CANNANFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Riga
Sponsored by James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc. - Orchard Park Southtowns Chapel.
Carrol Ullrich
February 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Dear Peter. It was 39 years ago that you performed the ceremony that united Karl and me in San Pablo, Ca. We always considered you our buddy.
Carrol and Karl Ullrich
Derek Hoggett
August 2, 2018
Peter married my ex-wife and I in a simple ceremony on the rocks at Kemah in 1990. A good man.
S. CRAIG DANIELL
May 9, 2018
THANK YOU PROFESSOR FOR TEACHING ME THE LAW AND MANY OF THE LESSONS OF LIFE. YOUR DEVOTED STUDENT, CRAIG DANIELL, COL(R) USA
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance[a] upon you and give you peace. AMEN
Margaret Buckle
April 6, 2018
We will miss you at daily Mass, dear Peter. Thank you for leading us in song, with your beautiful and powerful voice. Your bench in the chapel was your special place. May God give you peace, dear friend.
Phocion and Cheryl Park
April 5, 2018
Peter was our attorney for the adoption of our second adopted son, Phocion III. He charged us a very modest sum, and said he enjoyed doing adoptions. He rode with us to the court that June day in 1990. We are very thankful for his service. May he see the face of God and be rewarded for his service.
Steve Baldassano
April 3, 2018
He taught us the meaning of contracts and more importantly--- the ethics of a promise. Contract as Promise. I will always remember him and cherish the lessons he taught us. God Bless Professor Riga.
todd tefteller
April 3, 2018
A true scholar who taught me about Sir Thomas More in law school in the early 1980s.God bless you all.He influenced many practicing attorneys in a positive way.He will be sorely missed.
Fr. Victor Perez
April 2, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this and wish I could be at the funeral. He is a real hero and was recently offered (as an upgrade) the silver star for his heroism in Vietnam as a Chaplain when he saved a man's life. It is no coincidence that he died on Holy Thursday the day that the priesthood was instituted. He loved the priesthood. He died faithful to God going to Mass everyday and strong in his opinions of patriotism and his love for the Church and Christ and theology most of all. My prayers and condolences to his children. He will be sorely missed in Houston and by me personally. He was such a supportive person for me when as a brand new priest I was assigned to his parish. I will miss our lunches and his faxes. I am very proud to call him my friend. With so many letters after his name this man was more humble than most.
P. J. Riga
April 2, 2018
P. J. Riga
April 2, 2018
P. J. Riga
April 2, 2018
P. J. Riga
April 2, 2018
P. J. Riga
April 2, 2018
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Memorial Events
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Apr
5
Calling hours
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc. - Orchard Park3155 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Funeral services provided by:
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc. - Orchard Park3155 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127
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