Michael J. Riggs

Michael James Riggs, 67, a longtime resident of Milford, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Michael leaves behind his devoted wife and soulmate, Mary, and is survived by his beloved sons, Scott Riggs and his wife Mindy of Bellingham, MA, and Kevin Riggs and his wife Rachel of Worcester, MA. He was the proud and cherished "Grampie" to his grandchildren Sophia, Mila, Anderson, Ariyah, and August.

He is also survived by his brother Craig Riggs and his partner Lisa Robinson of Medway, MA, and his brother Jeff Riggs and his wife Pat of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as his sister-in-law Jean Riggs of Millis, MA. Michael leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with Maycon "Acorn" Malta of Charlotte, NC, who he lovingly considered his third son.

Michael was the son of the late Fred and Theresa (Hall) Riggs, and the brother of the late David F. Riggs.

Born in Norwood, MA, on January 13, 1958, Michael was raised in Millis and graduated from Millis High School, Class of 1976. He attended Northeastern University and later graduated from Framingham State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology.

Michael's 42-year career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts began at Cushing Hospital in Framingham. He went on to serve at Worcester State Hospital and later at Tewksbury State Hospital, where he retired after 30 years of service as Chief of Campus Police. Chief Riggs was known for his steady leadership, fairness, and compassion-treating staff, patients, and everyone he encountered with deep respect and dignity.

Michael met the love of his life, Mary, while working at Zayre's Warehouse-famously noticing her on the security cameras before deciding to introduce himself. The two married in 1984 and went on to build a life filled with love, laughter, and kindness that extended to everyone who crossed their path.

Together, they raised their family and created countless memories during weekends and vacations in Vermont, Papoose Pond (ME), and New Hampshire. Michael enjoyed poker nights with "the crew," summer concerts, Mohegan Sun visits, puzzles, and golf tournaments. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and loved spending time at home surrounded by family and friends. The Riggs home was a welcoming place-known to many of the boys' friends as a haven of love, laughter, and safety.

Michael adored good food-especially Mary's cooking-and delighted in sharing meals with others. A passionate Boston sports fan, he especially admired Bobby Orr and Larry Bird.

Throughout his brief illness, Michael faced each day with remarkable strength, grace, and optimism-an inspiration to all who knew him.

The Riggs family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Constantine and his staff for their exceptional care, and to Michael's brothers Craig and Jeff, his cousin Janice Hall Sheehan, and his dear friend Nancy Noonan for their unwavering love and support during his illness.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael's life at the Roberts-Mitchell-Caruso Funeral Home, 15 Miller Street, Medfield.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

The funeral service will follow on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tewksbury Hospital Patient Recreational Account in honor of Michael's dedication and compassion for others.