Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Frank Riga Obituary
Frank P., PhD
Oct 19, 2025
Beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (Crowley) Riga. Loving father of John T. (Cathy) Riga, Mary M. (Alain) Bouley, Francis P. (Mary Ellen), Jeanne M. Riga and the late Joseph F. (Colleen Maher) Riga. Beloved Grandfather of Anthony (Kelly) Borrello, Elise and Paul Bouley; Katherine (J.J.), Michael and Veronica Riga; Hope Riga, and the late John Borrello. Great grandfather of Sophia Borrello. Son of the late John and Margherita (Cannito) Riga. Brother of the late Peter J. Riga and Victoria (David Dezell) Altamura. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends and family may visit Friday from 4-7PM at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 3155 Orchard Park Road in Orchard Park (716) 675-9027, where a Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice Buffalo. Condolences for Dr. Riga, please visit www.CANNANFH.com
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Riga
Bob Butler
December 10, 2025
Frank was a great friend and highly valued colleague for over 50 years . He will be sorely missed by all those who were so fortunate to know him and work with him . I will always remember him as a gifted scholar, dedicated teacher , and an exemplary husband and father .
Bob Butler
Ken Sroka
December 4, 2025
Dear Family of Frank Riga,
I was very sorry to learn of Frank's passing. I knew him during my undergraduate years at Canisius. Frank was a saxophonist (as I was) and we rode the bus to the World's Fair in NYC in 1964. He and I were very interested in 19th-century British Literature. In our journey to and from NYC I learned all I know about William Wordsworth from him.
In years thereafter (1970-present), Frank and I were colleagues in the English Department. I was assigned to teach European Romantic Literature in my first year at C.C., something I knew nothing about. Frank generously worked with me to shape a syllabus and discussed the texts with me throughout that semester.
As colleagues we shared interests in music and literature. Frank was a genuine influence in my career at Canisius, and I've always been grateful to him for that, his friendship, and his being a colleague.
No doubt he will always be remembered. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ken Sroka
Emeritus Professor of English
Canisius College/University
Warren Walters
November 9, 2025
Dear Family of Frank, we were classmates from grade school through high school at West Seneca Central. Both shared music being in the band plus gigging at clubs in our adult years. We maintained a connection over the years meeting at times when I was back East. Many e-mails went between us over the years and he will be sadly missed. A true friend. blessings from Warren
Deborah Forczek
October 30, 2025
I was his student as an English major at Canisius from 1969 to 1973. My condolences to the family.
How you can show support
Phil M.
October 27, 2025
I took a couple courses from Prof. Riga 55 or so years ago. One of them was something like European Romanticism and I've always thought it was the best course I took at Canisius. He was a wonderful teacher and presented his subject matter really well. I'm sorry I learned of his death too late to go to his funeral.
Patty W.
October 23, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the family, I knew Frank for a short time and he was a terrific guy
I was very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers RIP Frank
Connie L.
October 23, 2025
I was his student in 1969 at Canisius. His classes were exciting and he was able to connect us to literature in a refreshing way. I became an English professor because I believed students need a down to earth approach to literature. -Connie L.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Frank Riga's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Frank Riga
Funeral services provided by:
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc. - Orchard Park3155 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127
People and places connected with Frank
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo News
Recent Obituaries
How to support Frank'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 Frank Riga'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
