William "Bill" Riggi, 80, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025. Born on August 22, 1945 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late William and Lillian (Wackett) Riggi; and beloved husband of the late Bettye Ann (Napier-Rutkowski) Riggi, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

He was a member of the Class of 1965 from the former LaSalle Senior High School in which he met many lifelong friends.

Bill worked at the former Bell Aerospace, Laborers Local #91, Niagara Falls State Park, and was the former co-owner of Joey's Pizzeria in Niagara Falls. For the majority of his career, he was a Locomotive Engineer for Conrail and its predecessors.

Over the years, Bill was an Assistant Business Agent for Local #930 affiliated with the United Transportation Union which represents Niagara and Erie Counties. In addition, he was a member of the General Committee for Negotiation and Grievance for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Local #421 in Buffalo, New York.

Bill was very active in many different organizations. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Niagara Falls Penn Central Credit Union, member of Club Italia in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and held many officer positions for The Cristoforo Columbo Society. Bill was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from The Cristoforo Columbo Society in 2013, an honor he was very proud of.

Bill loved to tell stories, especially those about his family and his days growing up on 20th Street. He cherished time with his friends, whether he was meeting them for breakfast and coffee or taking a trip to Canada to stock up on cooking supplies. He took great pride in tending to his yard and enjoyed every opportunity to gallivant and socialize. Above all, Bill treasured the moments he spent with his family.

Bill is survived by his children, Patricia (Sean) Hennegan and William (Julie) Riggi; his grandchildren, Patrick William Hennegan, Alexander James Riggi, Allison Grace Riggi and Adalynn Rose Riggi; his nieces and nephews, Michael (Danielle) Cardamone, Janelle (Aaron Mierzwa) Cardamone, Gina (Richard) Vallari, Ronnie Bloom, Jeffrey Bloom, Laurie Nulph, Jaime Napier, Sid Johnnie Napier, Kim Vitale, Michael Nolan and his brother-in-law, James (Norma) Napier.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife, Bettye Ann, in May of 2025. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Patricia (late Ronald) Bloom and Barbara (late Edward) Paduano; his sisters in law, Patricia (late Louis) Nolan and Sharon (James) Cardamone and nephew Keith Krieger.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 2 from 5 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Bill's Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 3 at 12 Noon in St. Mary of Cataract Church, 237 4th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Please assemble at church. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Niagara Hospice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.