Stephen Rigberg

Wednesday evening, September 29, 2010, at the family home in Ventura, Stephen Victor Rigberg, M.D. F.A.C.P.,widely respected oncologist/hematologist, succumbed to the malignancy he dedicated his professional life studying, treating and curing.

Steve left this earthly world with the same steadfastness and dignity that he lived his life knowing he had lived an honorable life and that he was deeply loved, but with more courage than most because of his knowledge from the onset of his prognosis, yet he moved onward with valor for the sake of his family, remaining extraordinarily strong and brave.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Isaac and Florence Rigberg.

Mourning Steve’s passing is his devoted wife, Laurie, loving children, Jennifer (Marc) Schellenberg of San Mateo, CA; Jordan (fiancée Tamara Skaggs); precious grandchildren Hannah and Sam Schellenberg; faithful brothers, Dr. Herb (Lynn) Rigberg of Phoenix, AZ; Dr. Leon (Lynne) Rigberg of Phoenix, AZ; nephews, Jimmy (Colleen) Rigberg, David (Karen) Rigberg, Matthew Rigberg, Andy (Maegan) Rigberg; nieces, Michelle Rigberg and Jodi Rigberg, and great nieces and nephews; father and mother in-law, Bill and Loretta Burton; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Linda Burton of Bakersfield, CA; niece and goddaughter, Jennie (Chris) Klassen of Bakersfield, CA.

Laurie and Steve are most thankful for loyal friends, Dr. Ed and Ellie Alexson; Dr. Sal and Edy Santangelo; Dr. Ed and Fran Elson; Dr. Mike and Marilyn Fischetti; Jack and Karen Oren, and colleague, Dr. Todd and wife, Dr. Simi Yates, all of whom encircled Steve with their love and admiration during his final days.

Stephen was born May 6, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia in the class of 1962. His higher education began at Albright College, Reading Pennsylvania; medical school at Hahnemann Medical School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; medical internship and residency at Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts ; Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Hahnemann Medical School and Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; United States Air Force Medical Service, staff physician, Malcolm Grow Hospital, Washington D.C.

After his honorable discharge in 1976, with the rank of Major, Steve located to Ventura where he began a private practice of Hematology and Oncology serving the Oxnard/Ventura area. He held medical licenses in the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California. He had certifications in the National Board of Medical Examiners; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Subspecialty of Hematology; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Subspecialty of Medical Oncology.

Society memberships and honors included: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Diplomat of the American College of Physicians; Fellow of the American College of Physicians; Member of the American Society of Hematology; Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology; Member of the Southern California Academy of Clinical Oncology and up until his death was on the Board of Directors of MOASC (Medical Oncological Association of Southern California). He served on the staff at both St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura.

Steve and Laurie’s courtship began at St. John’s Hospital where Laurie was a floor charge R.N. on the urology ward. September 2009 they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary dancing to the music as they did on their wedding day.

Before the onslaught of this devastating illness Steve was anticipating his future retirement years with Laurie which included travel; new and multiple taste bud experiences; fishing destinations; leisure time for endless movies, but mostly spending time with his grandchildren; the bachelor party cruise and wedding of his son.

Nothing thrilled Steve more than driving out of the dealer’s show room in a brand new automobile, a fishing trip, whether he caught a big one or not, hearing or telling a good joke in the doctor’s lounge, savoring a good meal at a new restaurant or an old favorite. Steve was an avid tennis player enjoying the courts since his high school years.

Steve and Laurie’s home was a welcoming environment for all of Jordan’s friends. His favorite time of year was football season. He was an ardent and die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and could be seen on game day, with Jordan by his side, attired in his Eagles jersey and hat cheering his team on to victory.

Laurie personally extends a grateful heart to Steve’s nephew, Dr. David Rigberg, who was their true constant throughout their many stays at UCLA ; her brother, Michael, who dedicated himself to Steve’s care in his final hours; Pastor Dave Hall of Trinity Lutheran Church and Rosemary Cesnauskas of Livingston Hospice.

We can choose to mark this devastating time with anger, sadness and grief or we can choose instead to honor the memory of this outstanding man with our enduring love, our memories, our thankfulness that God chose us to share Steve’s life.

To our beloved son-in-law and dearest friend rest in peace, we will take good care of your family.

With our enduring love, Loretta

Services will be private.

If it is your wish to remember Steve you may do so with a gift to the UCLA Foundation or to the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) in care of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.