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Joseph De Riggi was born in Cicciano (Chi chon o), Italy on May 7, 1897. Our name is pronounced "Dee-Ree-Gee", My father immigrated to the United States at the age of twelve, in the year of 1909. Joseph De Riggi, married at twenty-seven years of age and fathered five children, two girls and three boys. My sisters and brothers were born prior to and during the great depression years. I am the youngest of five children and was born during somewhat easier times, I was born on my father's fortieth birthday, May 07, 1937. My father was a dedicated father, who worked very hard and diligently to provide for his family; during the very difficult depression years, and throughout his life. Our family enjoyed a good life, because of my father's undying love, devotion, and unwavering loyalty to his family.
My father died after a short illness, in 1964, at the age of sixty-seven. He will always be remembered as the personification of strength and goodness. A model for all of the values that I can only hope to achieve. I believe in God and believe that there is life after death. As a result, I am not a fatalist, but I truly look forward to a time when I can feel the pleasure of hearing my father's voice and to see his smile. My father is my greatest hero, he is dearly missed, and will forever live in my heart.
Music by Deb Ackley, Memories
This page was last modified on:
Saturday, January 28, 2006 08:51 PM
By Philip T. DeRiggi
