Daniel Anthony Rigazzi

Daniel Anthony Rigazzi passed from this life on September 15, 2025 at the age of 95.

Dan was born on May 21, 1930, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma to Dan and Gertrude Rigazzi. His father was an Italian immigrant who came to working the coal mines of Pittsburg County. His parents met as Gertrude was the cook for the miners. Her culinary gifts would be a hallmark for the family, creating delicious food that is still recalled fondly and set the tone for Dan's life-long love of good food.

He was raised in a loving home with three sisters and two brothers who had their run of the neighborhood. They survived the Depression and the Second World War as brothers Bill and Leon served in the Untied States Army.

Dan felt cheated, he had missed the war and lied about his age (16) to enter the U.S. Army in 1946 for an 18-month enlistment. He returned to Harthorne and continued high school. With his $100 per month GI Bill, he was known as a clothes horse and consequently friends borrowed for special occasions.

A turning point in his life came at this juncture as he met the love of his life, Mary Patricia Oliver. Their attraction was instantaneous. Married on June 30, 1951, their union would last for 74 years as an example of love and devotion and marital commitment. When asked how he lived so long he replied, "I have to take care of your mother." She in turn would say, "I have to take care of your father." At varying physical infirmities throughout their lives, both lived up to that pledge.

Family was always paramount to Dan. Three sons were born of this union, Tony, Steve, and George, and he reveled in their accomplishments. At every sporting event, play, or concert, he made sure to attend and offer encouragement. Nothing pleased him more than when children and grandchildren came for the annual Christmas gathering. He loved to play and laugh with his grandchildren. One of the ways he showed his love was by making handmade fresh ravioli with Pat for the masses. He always requested mincemeat pie and declared, "it would not be Christmas without it".

Another of Dan's passions was sports. A life-long St. Louis Cardinal fan, he instilled that devotion to all three boys. Oklahoma Football was his Saturday obsession, listening to the radio broadcast before every game was televised.

His nieces and nephews loved to watch football with Uncle Dan, as they "learned new words". Nothing gave him more pleasure than OU beating Michigan. Dan was a starting guard for the Hartshorne Miners Football team, weighing in at a whopping 145 pounds and a face maskless leather helmet. While he loved playing, he did complain about his "football knees".

Faith played a major role in his life. He was active at All Saints Episcopal Church, as he sang in the choir and served as Senior Warden of the Vestry. He came back to the Catholic Church (he was baptized as a Catholic) in 1988 and along with Pat (who was the organist) continued to sing. In fact, he was a cantor at age 88!

He was truly a Renaissance Man as he dabbled in home repair (with varying degrees of success). Music was a major part of his life as he was a jazz aficionado and had a great interest in English church music.

He is survived by is wife, Pat; sons: Tony and wife, Sibyl of Collinsville, Illinois, Steve Rigazzi of Independence, Missouri, and George Rigazzi and wife, Stephanie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren all of whom were proud to call him "Grandpa".

It was indeed a life well lived as he was a kind and generous man who easily gave his love and in return received it. People marveled at his encyclopedic memory until the day he died. His magnetic personality, ready wit, and loving embrace will be severely missed by all. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Southeast Hospice became part of our family and we are grateful for the service offered and the loving care they provided.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Church with the Very Reverend Jovita C. Okonkwo celebrating. The burial of cremains will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.