Ronald Riggs

Latham, NY

Ronald R. Riggs, of Latham, NY, passed away suddenly on November 1st at the age of 86, with his loving family by his side. While we are heartbroken by his passing, we can almost hear him telling us to stop making such a fuss and get on with things.

Born in Cohoes, NY, Ron was the son of the late Leona Hebert Riggs. He was the beloved husband of Letitia Aragona Riggs, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. That's 67 years of love, laughter, patience, and probably a whole lot of putting up with each other!

Ron was a devoted father to Mark (Fran) Riggs, Dawn (Michael) Wesoloski, and Tom (Tara) Riggs. He was predeceased by his sisters, Elaine Cropsey, Jane Kinns, and Georgia Peterson.

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Michael Wesoloski Jr., Chelsea Riggs, Miranda (James) Ayers, Alyssa (David) King, Anthony Luizzi, and Mira (Dan) Dowen. He was especially proud of his great-grandchildren, Derek and Lyla Ayers. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, many of whom affectionately called him "Uncle Ronnie." A title he wore proudly, and one that probably came with plenty of teasing and unsolicited commentary.

Ron grew up in a house full of women as the only boy, which pretty much explains why he learned early how to defend himself, stand his ground, and probably tune out a little background noise. He took his job as the protector of his mother and sisters seriously. He left high school early to go to work and help support his family, a responsibility he carried with pride throughout his life.

In 1957, he met the love of his life, Letitia at a square dance at Dave Denny’s Barn, and the rest is history. For 67 years, they built a life and family together, proving that true love is about sticking together through everything, including all of Ron's jokes.

Ron was a family man in every sense of the word. He wasn't much for mushy speeches or throwing around the words "I love you." Instead, he showed his love by being there, fixing things, helping out, providing, and making sure everyone was taken care of. His children never questioned how much their dad loved them because he showed them every single day. When the grandchildren came along, he softened up a bit and even started saying those three little words. Apparently, grandchildren have a way of getting a man to do things his children couldn't!

Growing up without a father of his own, Ron somehow figured out how to become the kind husband, dad and grandfather everyone wishes they had. He was loving, dependable, protective, and always ready with a smart remark. He had a special talent for teasing everyone, and if you were on the receiving end, you knew you were probably one of his favorites. If Ron was giving you a hard time, consider it a compliment.

Ron worked for Grants in Glens Falls during the 1960s before beginning a 30-year career at GE in Schenectady in the 1970s. He retired in 2002, after decades of hard work and dedication. He spent his life providing for his family, and he certainly earned the right to enjoy retirement.

And enjoy it he did!

Ron was a loyal fan of the Dodgers and LA Rams, although his sons' devotion to the Buffalo Bills provided him with plenty of opportunities for frustration, commentary, and probably a few choice words, he was a closet Bills Mafia fan. He may have supported his sons in everything else, but when it came to football, he enjoyed rooting them on but more so the quality time he spent with them watching each other’s games at local sport bars. And to the regulars at McArthur's, we're sure the place won’t be quite the same without him. Raise a glass, because Ron would certainly expect you to. Cheers from Ron!

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards, especially when there was money involved. He wasn't necessarily playing just for fun. Winning was always a nice bonus, and losing? Well, we're sure he had something to say about that, too.

He also had a long-standing relationship with Carlo Rossi wine company, one that lasted decades and was, by all accounts, very committed. We are fairly certain he single-handedly kept them in business for decades. If they ever decide to put Ron’s picture on a bottle, it would only be fitting.

One thing Ron never turned down was a good meal prepared by his daughter Dawn. He enjoyed anything his daughter would cook him, especially the Aragona family recipe known as braccoltines. If you ever ate at Ron’s or Dawn’s, you probably have had your share of this wonderful family delicacy.

Ron also gave his time and heart to his community. He volunteered as an usher at New Life Ministries for 12 years and later served in hospitality at Believers Church in Scotia. He enjoyed helping others and making people feel welcome. Whether at church, with family, or among friends, Ron was always someone people could count on.

Ron leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the life he gave them, the lessons he taught, the sacrifices he made, and the countless memories that will keep his stories alive for generations. He may not have always said "I love you," but he showed it in a million different ways.

He was a protector, a provider, a devoted husband, an incredible father and grandfather, a great-grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who never missed an opportunity to get in a good tease.

He grew up having to look after everyone else, and he never really stopped. His family was his world, and he was theirs.

We will miss his humor, his stubborn ways, his stories, his advice (whether we asked for it or not), and that unmistakable presence that could fill a room.

So here's to you, Ron. We hope the golf course is perfect, the bowling lanes are always open, the card games are always profitable, the Dodgers and Rams are winning, and Carlo Rossi has plenty in stock.

And don't worry, the Bills are still finding ways to disappoint your sons.

Cheers, Ron! Thanks for 86 years of love, laughter, hard work, and giving everyone a hard time. We love you more than you ever let us say out loud, and we will miss you more than words can express.

Visitation will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205 on Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. A service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 10:00 am.