Roger Vernon Rigau

August 31, 1947 - February 6th, 2023.

Roger was born on August 31, 1947 in Tampa, FL to Abel and Annetta Rigau who preceded before him. He was a wonderful husband, Daddy-O, Grandaddy, Father-in-law and best friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy Rigau, his sons Michael and Ryan Rigau, his daughter Ashley (Rigau) May, his two

daughter-in-law’s Cheryl and Lexi Rigau, his son-in-law Davey May and his 5 Grandbabies that were his pride and joy: Anna, Halle, Kaci, Holly and Liam. He also leaves behind his sister, Beverly Smeltzer and his in-laws who loved him so much, Betty Jo & Ernie Seal. His children’s in-laws, lots of nieces and nephews, as well as, many cousins and extended family. All who he truly loved and cherished.

He loved the woods and water, especially the Lakehouse, Homosassa Springs and Ocala. Swimming with his family was what he cherished most. He grew up on Lake Carroll where he was on the ski team and his first job was a lifeguard at Palma Ceia Country Club.

He was a gifted musician who played the piano and the drums. He loved to play the piano while his kids and Grandbabies danced and loved to have them play on the piano with him, even with their sticky popsicle fingers, which he loved to share with them.

He played many sports, but baseball was his favorite and basketball not far behind. One of his favorite baseball memories is playing and coaching the Tampa Smokers which he took to the World Series in Wichita, KS multiple times. He played both sports into his late 50’s, including representing the

United States in Cuba in 2011, which he traveled with his cousin Roy Carrasco and loved the memories he made with him…he often boasted “I hit the shit outta the ball in Cuba”. He loved reminding us and we loved hearing it. He loved coaching kids in sports and also coached his own kids, not just in multiple sports, but in life. He was a great athlete, coach, mentor and was well respected in the community.

Roger excelled at the University of Miami Law School and obtained a Juris Doctorate degree in 1973. He ranked 6th in the State of Florida on the Florida Bar Exam. This was after having been one of the two seniors selected and certified to practice law with the State Attorney’s office in Miami. Roger successfully handled several major felony cases in the court room which gave him the experience to return to Tampa and join his Father’s Law Firm. Roger immediately prevailed in high profile cases and his competitive nature revealed itself in athletics, the courtroom, and the community, where he sincerely believes

everyone should be treated equally with their respective peers and that all persons should have competent counsel in seeking truthful justice. He practiced law for 50 years; an accomplishment that he and his family held with great pride.

One of his many accomplishments was serving his Country in the Army Reserves. He was also a well respected entrepreneur, owning several successful businesses in Tampa over the years.

Roger was strong, intelligent, and witty. As a family man, he always placed his family first. He worked his hardest to give us the best life possible, full of

laughter, music, dance, trips, adventures, sports, swimming and more that we will cherish forever.

He was an avid car collector and loved his tractors. His tractors were his favorite to drive around with his wife and Grandbabies, which created special memories for them all.

The lives he touched extended far beyond his family and he wouldn’t hesitate when someone needed a helping hand.

Roger’s smile, love and laughter will be missed by so many but especially by those who loved him most. He will forever be in our hearts.

His service will be held on February 18, 2023 at 12pm at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church.

Address: 3501 W San Jose St, Tampa, FL

Followed by his burial at 3pm at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park

Address: 4202 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610

Celebration of life to follow in Carrollwood at 5pm

call Megan at (813)-767-3221 or Jessica at (813)-527-1786 for address to Carrollwood.