Joseph R.J. Riggieri, Jr.

Joseph R.J. Riggieri, Jr., 67, of Millbury, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, with family at his bedside at UMass Hospital in Worcester.  

Mr. Riggieri graduated from Worcester Boys Trade in the Automotive Department and served our country in the US Air Force Reserves. Having been born in Worcester and living a great life, he was proud to say he grew up in a large Italian family, son of the late Joseph R.J. and Katherine L. (Padavano) Riggieri.  The family was always together, whether at home or working side by side at the family store "Riggieri's Market" on Massasoit Road, where they were always surrounded by family and friends.  

Joe is survived by his brother, Robert W. Riggieri and his wife Patricia of Worcester; two sisters, MaryJane Dellagala of Shrewsbury, and Dolores K. Riggieri of Worcester; three nieces and a nephew, Jennifer Arsenault and her husband Tom Giblin, Stacey Beer, Rachel Vincequere and her husband Tom, and Robert Riggieri, Jr. and his wife Christine; ten great nieces and nephews; as well as many friends.

Joe had an affinity for cars and made repairing and body work his career.  Starting at a young age, Joe worked for Gallo Automotive, Gervais Auto Body, and Fuller Automotive, using his skills to repair damage and please the customer.  He spent many hours working on his corvette keeping it in pristine condition and attending many car shows.  He became to "go to guy" for his family and friends, whenever they had an issue or simple question about their cars. Joe was also known for his incredible sense of humor and always made his family and friends smile and laugh.

He was a long-time member of Our Lady of Loreto Parish and his spirituality was strong.  He believed in the loving bond of family and was the rock that many of his cousins turned to in their youth, especially when they needed defending.  His home was his castle and his heart was full of love for his family and friends; with a special love for his cats and dogs, especially his dog Annie.  His kindness will be remembered by many.

The family would like to like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at Lakeside 3 ICU at UMASS for their incredible support.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, June 24, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral will be on Tuesday, departing the funeral home at 10:40 a.m., in procession for an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester.  Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery.