Joseph C. Rigano

  
JOSEPH C. RIGANO (Age 83)  
Died on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at his home in Riverdale, MD of complications from cancer. Joseph ("Joe") was born on April 16, 1928 in the Bronx, NY, oldest child of Gaetano and Carmela Rigano of Allume, Sicily. In 1936, Joe went to live in Sicily, staying there during the war. Returning to the USA in 1947, his family took up residence in Riverdale, MD. Joe entered the University of Maryland with a ROTC scholarship and graduated in 1951. He was commissioned a Lieutenant and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. Following his honorable discharge, Joe worked for over 30 years for the U.S. Department of the Navy, retiring in 1986. Joe loved gardening his roses, arguing politics in a constant search for social justice, and supporting multiple charities for children. He is survived by his sister, Rita Rigano Orcino; his niece, Rose Marie Orcino Madruga and her husband Robert; his nephew, Peter Orcino and his wife Nancy; and his five, very special grandnieces and grandnephew, Cecelia, Gabriella, Sophia, Carmela and Vincenzo Orcino. We will miss you, Zizzi. Viewing on Friday, January 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Chambers Funeral Home, 5801 Cleveland Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737. Mass on Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Jerome's Parish Church, 5205 43rd Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Burial to follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of Joe's favorite charities, including Boy's Town, St. Jude's Hospital, St. Joseph's Indian School and Native American Children's Fund.