Donald was one of the first people I met in 2017 when I moved to the Las Vegas area. He was vice president of the Henderson Writers Group, as stated. A small group of members had dinner after the Monday meeting. I enjoyed talking about pop music with Donald and his stories about NYC. I will miss him. He was kind and generous.

Dear Carol, 
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Donald.
You and he had many happy years together, and I remember your beginning years together very well.
God bless Donald, may he rest in peace.
Love from Brooklyn,
Theresa and Jimmy O'Daly

I've known Donald Riggio for seven years, as a colleague, a mentor, and a friend.  

Although I'd already written 40 published books, including three SF novels and 10 historical fiction novels, I had long wanted to "up my game," in novel writing.  So, after a long absence from the computer keyboard, I decided to start writing novels again.  

This occurred while my wife was hospitalized for an extended period,  which left a big hole in my life.  To give me a sense of currency in novel-writing, I joined Henderson Writers Group's, and began attending meetings.  

That's when I first met Donald Riggio.  He and I had something in common beside writing historical novels.  He and I both share an Italian heritage.  My grandparents were Battaglia's and D'Amato's.  A hundred years ago, both names were reworked into something other Americans might be comfortable with, shortly before my mom was born.  

But regardless of spelling, my mom grew up in Little Italy, first in Youngstown and later in Cleveland.  This made me feel a kind of kinship with Donald.  I doubt if he recognized this, as I had a British name and couldn't find Little Italy on a map.

But i oaid attention to Donald - I'd begun learning what I needed to know to enhance my writing skills.

I improved my writing by listening to others' critiques, and Donald's were consistly among the most helpful and useful.  Then, when I began submitting short passages of my draft novel to HWG Read & Critique sessions, Donald was among the very first to provide useful insights.

Much of what I've become (or at least much of what I'm becoming) as a novelist I owe to his insights ... and his willingness to share those insights with me, and for the myriad others he has nurtured.

Donald, you will be missed, and NOT forgotten.

Ned Barnett
HWG

Sara and I express our deepest condolences to Carol and the Riggio familyfor the sudden passing of Donald. Donald and I worked together for over 25 years at Con Edison and right before I retired in 2005 he was already working on his first book on Rock and Roll, Doowop with such passion and committment. I always admired his strong desire to make this literary and musical endeavor become a success. He always  had a strong work ethic which enabled him to prosper in his reinvented career path during "Retirement"

Respectfully,
Jack and Sara Schweizer

We are so sorry to hear the passing of Donald.  We just happened to see the obituary on Facebook.
Our deepest sympathy to you.
Barbara and Bob

Donald made Carol so happy. I was so sad to hear the news. 
So sorry for you Carol but you had all those good years.
Love Lynn

John & I are so sorry for your loss.  We were very fond of Donald and will miss him.
🙏🙏🙏🙏

I will miss the long talks with Donald, the smiles, laughs and great sense of humor.  He was an amazing person bringing such joy to my dear friend Carol.  Having the patience to teach her to drive was probably enough to get him canonized.  
Rest in peace and sweet dreams Donald and Carol you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Loved you from way back to forever and hopefully see you soon.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donald J Riggio

7 septembre 1948 – 3 juin 2024

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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