Richard Menge Rigler passed away very unexpectedly at the age of 72 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from a massive heart attack.
Richard retired from the Air Force in 2006 as a Senior Master SGT, where he worked for the DE Air National Guard for 35 years. After retiring, Richard continued his service to others by doing what he loved, fixing things. Richard’s special skills of being able to fix pretty much anything and his huge heart, allowed him to touch so many people in his life. Richard was especially devoted to and loved his grandchildren, family and “furry friends.”
Throughout Richard’s military career, he was stationed in various countries and awarded numerous awards and medals, such as, the Air Force Achievement Medal with four devices, AF Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert, SW Asia Service Medal with two devices, AF Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait), Meritorious Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Paula Seitz Rigler; daughters, Tamara Kook (Allen Kook) and Rana Rigler; grandchildren, Kyle Rigler, Marissa Jackson, Jonathan Kook and Benjamin Kook; siblings, Rebecca Weber (Kent Weber), Gedd Rigler (Linda Baker) and Lou Rigler (Alison Frazier); nieces and nephews; and lots of extended family and many wonderful friends.
We all find comfort in knowing that Richard’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 1 at 5 pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 with a memorial service at 6 pm. Overflow parking available at the adjacent Brandywine YMCA. Interment will take place privately.
Flowers are welcome as are memorial donations in Richard’s name to the New Castle Public Library, 424 Delaware St. New Castle, DE, 19720, or the Brandywine Hundred Fire Company, 1006 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19809.
Richard’s grandchildren, Kyle and Marissa, created a memorial site that can be viewed at www.RichardRigler.com
Services may be watched online here.
