Richard E. Vigilo

1937 - 2021

Vigilo, Richard E. CAIRO Richard E. Vigilo, age 83 years, funeral home owner and chief Greene county coroner, formerly of Scarsdale and presently of Cairo since the 1960s, passed away on January 10, 2021, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson. Richard was born on April 24, 1937, in Mount Vernon, and was the son of the late Richard R. and Martha M. (Perone) Vigilo. Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends and neighbors of the community, of whom he loved. Richard especially had missed his former business partner Vincent J. Valenti, who passed away on December 20, 1992. Vincent was a N.Y.S. licensed funeral director and vice president of Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. and president of Richards Ambulance Service. Richard shared many happy memories with him and enjoyed caring for those in the community alongside one another. Survivors include Richard's staff of Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc., of whom Richard considered his family, and many friends and neighbors of the community. Richard also leaves behind his beloved toy poodle Fame, whom he enjoyed immensely for over ten years. Richard attended Edgemont High School in Scarsdale and Bronxville High School in Bronxville, N.Y., and attended Temple University, Eckels College of Mortuary Science, and Renouard School of Embalming in New York City. Richard was one of the owners of Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. located both in Cairo and Athens, and also the W. C. Brady's Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, Inc. located in Coxsackie; former owner of the Valenti and Richards Funeral Home located in Hudson; former vice president of Ambulance Service; owner and operator of Richards Ambulette Service, and the Greene County Car Service; also Richard was chief Greene county coroner since 1998 serving the community with dignity and compassion at all times. Richard served his country proudly in The United States Army National Guard, serving from January 18, 1960, to January 31, 1966. Richard was a member of The Sacred Heart Church in Cairo for many years. Richard held several memberships in many organizations including the following: Richard held the position of past president of The Cairo Rotary Club in Cairo, The Knights of Columbus Lady of Knock Council in East Durham, Loyal Order of Moose in Hudson, The N.Y.S. Funeral Directors Association, The Sons and Daughters of Italy, honorary member of The Cairo Hose Co. in Cairo, and also The Round Top Volunteer Fire Company in Round Top, past president of The Columbia Greene Funeral Directors Association, and member of The N.Y.S. Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners since 2006 to present. Richard was also a member of The Capital District Funeral Directors Association. Richard will be always be remembered for his sincerity, for his being there for others and for his service and dedication to the community that he loved. Even though his profession was a serious one, often one would find Richard sharing a joke and smile with others. Relatives and friends are invited to attend walk-through visitation at The Community Life Church, 20 West Main St., Catskill, on Sunday, January 17, from 1- 8 p.m. Social distancing, masks and current protocols due to the current pandemic will be in place for the protection of everyone. A private Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Sacred Heart Church in Cairo. Private interment with United States Army military honors to follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Catskill. Since Richard loved children and animals with all of his heart, contributions in Richard's memory may be made St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or to Animal Kind, 721 Warren St., Hudson, NY, 12534. Condolences may be made at richardsfuneralhomeinc.net. and also at wcbradyssonsinc.net