William "Bill" Rigley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Rigley who left us peacefully on October 2, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

To know Bill was to love him. He had a joy and enthusiasm for life. He always had a smile on his face and his to-go coffee mug in hand. Anyone speaking to Bill would quickly smile right back at him because of his genuine kind heart and sense of humor. He valued and respected all people and their points of view.

Bill always looked on the bright side of life and embraced each day with gratitude and positivity. When his family would be sad to see another amazing vacation come to an end, he would say “I love when vacations are over because then you can plan the next one.” While most dread the winter solstice as it is the shortest day of the year, Bill celebrated because the days become longer and summer was around the corner. Bill was always finding ways to create lasting memories and moments of joy and leaving all regrets behind.

Bill was the trademark “original girl dad”. He was the dad with all of the answers and was consistently present in the lives of his daughters - from accompanying them on school trips, coaching and attending sports games, and always volunteering to drive the U-Haul for long distance moves through college and beyond. As a grandfather, Bill loved sharing his tools with his grandson Jack and building what they called “mechanicals” together. Jack and Bill were best friends! All of Bill’s grandchildren could not get enough of grandpa’s hugs, sitting on his lap in his favorite Lazy Boy chair. As a husband, he was the ultimate provider, always making sure things were taken care of in the best, most efficient way. Whether it was a trip to Costco or Hawaii, Bill and Linda did it all together, side by side, sharing 49 years as best friends.

Growing up in Parkchester in the Bronx, many of Bill’s best friends to date were made in grammar school. Bill was the one to call whenever you wanted to have a fun time at a restaurant, on the beach, or golf course, or needed anything fixed. He had every tool in his garage and was one of the few who actually read the instruction manual cover to cover. Bill’s problem solving superpower and kindness extended to his friends, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand. In retirement, Bill continued to devote his energy to others through his volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House for 14 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters, Katy (Jon), Kristine (Richie), and Kerry (Matt), and grandchildren, Jack, Emma, Brayden, and William, and his sisters Betty and Joan. We will carry Bill’s unselfish and giving nature with us. We know there is a Costco and a golf course waiting for you. We love you.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date, where we will share stories, laughter, and the memories that defined his remarkable journey. Donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, New York Metro at https://www.rmhcnym.org/, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/.