James Riggi Obituary

James John Riggi, 74, of Carmichaels, passed away peacefully February 23, 2026, in Mt. Macrina Manor in Uniontown, after a courageous battle with melanoma. Born May 23, 1951, in Paterson, N.J., he was the son of Goldie Riggi and a 1971 graduate of Carmichaels High School. Jim began his career as a coal miner at the Robena Mine and later retired from Dilworth after many years of dedicated service. He was a proud and active member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and served as president of Local 1980. In 2007, he was inducted into the Washington-Greene Central Labor Council Hall of Fame for his exceptional leadership in labor and dedication to working men and women. In 2025, Jim was the chosen honoree for the AIM at Melanoma Walk by the Hillman Cancer Center in recognition of his courage. He was a member of St. Matthias Church in Carmichaels. Jim will be remembered for his strength, compassion, and generosity toward others, always putting people before himself. Above all else, he cherished his family and loved spending time and traveling with them, especially with his only grandson, Luca, his pride and joy. Jim was a proud Italian American and loved anything with a motor, from cars to boats. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Cleri Riggi; and his devoted son, Jimmy Riggi of Morgantown, W.Va. He is also survived by his siblings and extended family: Rosalind Hopkins (Lewis) of Sewickley; John Riggi (Josie) of Rices Landing; Debbie Riggi (Eric) of Carmichaels; Phil Riggi (Roxanne) of Canonsburg; his special sister, Tina Bug Riggi; Glenn Riggi (Connie) of Virginia Beach, Va.; and three sisters-in- law, Gloria Riggi, Sharon Roberts (Roger), and Diane Vargo (Dennis) of Perryopolis; along with many beloved nieces, nephews and a bonus son, Michael Rivera (Katie), Rylyn, and Wrenley. He was preceded in death by a brother, Guy Riggi; sisters, Candy Riggi, Jackie Riggi, and Dena Riggi; nephews, Guy Riggi Jr. and Max Hopkins. Special thanks to the Hillman Cancer Center at Shadyside for the extraordinary care provided by Dr. Najjar and her staff, including Katie and Lilian. Family and friends will be welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, and 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 26, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, Paul M. Lesako, funeral director / owner, and Aaron S. Walker, funeral director. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 27, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. in St. Hugh R. C. Church, with the Rev. J. Francis Frazer as celebrant. Interment will follow in Laurel Point Cemetery, Carmichaels. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to support Dr. Yana Najjar's research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh. Gifts may be mailed, with a memo indicating that the gift is in memory of James J. Riggi, to UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, or https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift To send condolences to the family or sign the guest book please visit www.lesakofh.com