Dino Rigoni
December 18th, 1933 - November 23rd, 2023
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Dino's Obituary
Dino Rigoni was born December 1933 in Tezze sul Brente, Vicenza, Italy to Giovanni and Anna Rigoni. He missed his 90th birthday by under a month. His current residence is now Heaven, as he had a strong faith and belief.
He was the 6th in line of 8 children. Life in Northern Italy was tough during WWII. He was just 11 years old when it was over. Dino admits he “bugged the heck” out of the American GI’s when the GI’s arrived in town for gum and candy. He migrated to the U.S. in 1951 with his younger brother John. They travelled by themselves to Rome, then by boat to Ellis Island. They had never been far from their hometown before and neither spoke English. In New York City they were met by an older brother who then brought them to Chicago where many of his older siblings were already residing. He lived in a boarding house and worked in several factories, to save enough to begin farming. He met his future wife, who lived next door, Louise (DeRossi) Rigoni, as she shoveled corn. In typical Dino fashion, he finished the job, told her to break up with her boyfriend because he was going to marry her. They were married for 43 years.
Family, farming and finances were the most important things in his life. Right up to the end, though he struggled with dementia in the last year of his life, he remembered all three perfectly.
Dino proudly served on the Decatur School Board, Hamilton Township Board, Decatur/Hamilton Fire Board, Michigan Farm Bureau, and he served many years as a Beef Superintendent at the Van Buren County Fair. He was also appointed by Governor Engler to the Asparagus Advisory Board,
Dino is survived by three children: Maryann Rigoni-Southland (George Southland) of Decatur, Steven D. Rigoni (Sue)of Paw Paw, Janet Rigoni of Virginia. One brother, Oreste of Fort Meyers, Fl. 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends, including Linda Zwahlen of Marcellus. He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Dina Rajzer (Chris), his parents, his siblings, Reno, Valentino, John, Antonio, Mary Miotti, and Lydia Engleman.
The family will receive guests from 4pm-7pm, Friday, December 1, 2023 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Visitation will continue from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the funeral home. Interment will take place privately. Memorial contributions may be given to the Large Animal Committee, c/o the Van Buren Youth Fair Association, PO Box 271, Hartford, MI 49057 or the Webster Memorial Library, 200 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
Dino once asked his grandson “How do you know I love you?” the answer “because you tease me grandpa”. Many of us in his life were fortunate to be incessantly teased by him.
He was the 6th in line of 8 children. Life in Northern Italy was tough during WWII. He was just 11 years old when it was over. Dino admits he “bugged the heck” out of the American GI’s when the GI’s arrived in town for gum and candy. He migrated to the U.S. in 1951 with his younger brother John. They travelled by themselves to Rome, then by boat to Ellis Island. They had never been far from their hometown before and neither spoke English. In New York City they were met by an older brother who then brought them to Chicago where many of his older siblings were already residing. He lived in a boarding house and worked in several factories, to save enough to begin farming. He met his future wife, who lived next door, Louise (DeRossi) Rigoni, as she shoveled corn. In typical Dino fashion, he finished the job, told her to break up with her boyfriend because he was going to marry her. They were married for 43 years.
Family, farming and finances were the most important things in his life. Right up to the end, though he struggled with dementia in the last year of his life, he remembered all three perfectly.
Dino proudly served on the Decatur School Board, Hamilton Township Board, Decatur/Hamilton Fire Board, Michigan Farm Bureau, and he served many years as a Beef Superintendent at the Van Buren County Fair. He was also appointed by Governor Engler to the Asparagus Advisory Board,
Dino is survived by three children: Maryann Rigoni-Southland (George Southland) of Decatur, Steven D. Rigoni (Sue)of Paw Paw, Janet Rigoni of Virginia. One brother, Oreste of Fort Meyers, Fl. 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends, including Linda Zwahlen of Marcellus. He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Dina Rajzer (Chris), his parents, his siblings, Reno, Valentino, John, Antonio, Mary Miotti, and Lydia Engleman.
The family will receive guests from 4pm-7pm, Friday, December 1, 2023 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Visitation will continue from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the funeral home. Interment will take place privately. Memorial contributions may be given to the Large Animal Committee, c/o the Van Buren Youth Fair Association, PO Box 271, Hartford, MI 49057 or the Webster Memorial Library, 200 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
Dino once asked his grandson “How do you know I love you?” the answer “because you tease me grandpa”. Many of us in his life were fortunate to be incessantly teased by him.
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