Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Larry Martin Rigo

January 06, 1946 - February 18, 2022

Text:

Obituary For Larry Martin Rigo

Larry Martin Rigo, age 76, of Whitehall Borough, passed away on Friday, February 18. Born on January 6, 1946, in Jerome, PA, he was the only child of Helen (Phillips) and Louis Martin Rigo. He graduated from Conemaugh Township High School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and provided vision care at his office on Brownsville Road to residents of the South Hills for more than 30 years.

Larry is survived by his wife of more than 53 years, Paula (Sinkus); his daughter Allison (Gary) Connelly; his son Jeffrey (Camille Goleb); his grandchildren Mary, Catherine, Anne, and Michael Connelly; and many cousins and dear friends.

Born in a coal mining town, Larry was nurtured and encouraged to excel by his parents. Larry played baseball, studied piano, hunted with his father, was pampered by his mother, and enjoyed a wide variety of pets, from dogs to a crow he tamed. He was an exemplary student and performed a piano piece by Rachmaninov at his high school graduation.

At IUP, he met his future wife, Polly, whom he married in 1968. He was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, where he made lifelong friendships and served as fraternity president. After optometry school in Philadelphia and private practice in Meadville, the Rigos purchased an optometry practice and moved to Pleasant Hills in 1977, where they lived for more than 30 years and raised their children.

In addition to their primary home in the South Hills, Larry and Polly enjoyed for many years a second home and community on Deer Lake in Chalk Hill, PA, which is a cherished memory.

Larry was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, known as Papa to his grandchildren. He was intellectually brilliant, nicknamed “Solomon” by his grandmother and always greeted fondly as “Dr. Rigo” by his many patients. As his parents did for him, Larry encouraged excellence in his own children and grandchildren and supported them unfailingly and lovingly in their educations, careers, and families.

Larry avidly followed the Pittsburgh Penguins and enjoyed rock and soul music from the 1960s. He competed in the 1987 One Lap of America (Cannonball Run), a coast-to-coast car rally, in a 1968 Triumph TR250 with his friend Charles. He served on the board of directors of Pleasant Hills Public Library and was a lifetime member of the American Optometric Association.

Despite his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Larry pursued his love of life, joining friends for road trips and cruises and traveling south many winters to enjoy good weather and spend time with friends and family. He participated in many Parkinson’s exercise classes, making friends and maintaining a high quality of life for many years thanks to the selfless and loving care of his wife, Polly. Larry was gentle, unfailingly polite, and patient, and, despite years of illness, retained tremendous dignity into his last days.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 3-7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, pfwpa.org.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • April 01, 2022

    Rosie Goleb

    Dearest Polly, Allison, Jeff and extended family. It's been well over 1 month since Larry's passing yet we want to express our sadness and provide some comfort to you as time marches on. We were not fortunate to know Larry long or well enough but could discern quickly his kind, sweet nature despite of his advanced illness. I was honored to have a special dance with him during the wedding of Jeff & Camille. He mustered up his strength and his determination was inspiring. Polly, you and Larry established a loving home with genuine examples of respect, pride, hard work and compassion. Your love and support of family is admirable. It is good to know Larry is in a better place and may you be comforted by all the memories you made. Be proud of your combined efforts to maintain his dignity and best quality of life. We look forward to seeing you at his celebration of life. -much love Rosie & Mark Goleb

  • February 24, 2022

    Linda Denk

    So sorry to hear of Dr. Rigor's passing. I was a patient of his and was so sad when he retired. He was always personable and concerned. God bless.

  • February 24, 2022

    Connie Buessing

    Dear family of Larry....I am saddened to hear of my childhood friend's passing. He and I grew up in Jerome and attended school throughout Grade School and High School. Even though we were separated by many miles and years, I remember him very fondly. I pray that he is at rest with his loving parents and that your family is comforted as you hold his memory in your hearts. Connie (Kelly) Buessing

  • February 22, 2022

    John Riley

    Dear Polly and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Larry. He was one of my best friends in High School and we shared 6 happy years there. We went our separate ways after but my thoughts would turn to him often. I'll never forget his humor, intelligence, and most of all his genuine friendship. Larry had a special place in my life and I'm all the better for having known him. God bless him and you and your family as well. John (Jack) Riley

  • February 21, 2022

    Larry M Greenberger

    I never had a chance to meet my KDR brother but in reading his obituary, it is obvious that he led a great life and built a loving family. All the best to everyone. Larry Greenberger, Omega 73

  • February 20, 2022

    Paula bowman

    Dear Polly, Allison, and Jeff We Bowmans all send love and sympathy to you. We share so many memories. Fred and I are in Florida for a month but I will be sure to be in touch when we get home to share a glass and some laughs and tears.

  • February 20, 2022

    Lou Calgaro

    The younger brothers heard stories about Larry and the older KDRs. I finally met Larry at our KDR reunion in 20I8 and it was wonderful to see guys in their 70s still enjoying each other's friendship as they did 50 years ago. Rest in peace, my brother.

  • February 20, 2022

    gary langsdale

    So sorry for your loss Polly and family. I shared a house with Larry in Elyria, OH after we graduated from IUP. We both were teachers then. I sure remember his 1967 I believe Austin Healy 3000. Beautiful fast car. Did a few time trials from Indiana to Clymer. Great KDR Brother.

  • February 20, 2022

    Doug Scholz

    Dear Polly, Allison, and Jeff I am sorry to hear of your loss and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed the many conversations that I had with Larry over the years. He was the example of the kind husband, father, and doctor. Regards Doug Scholz, DVM

  • February 19, 2022

    Betty Schessler

    Larry was a sweet, gentle soul with a quick sense of humor!

  • February 19, 2022

    Janet Evans

    You were always a special cousin Larry. Many fond memories. Rest in peace and we'll all be together someday. Love and prayers for all your family. May God hold each of them in his loving arms.