Rusty was born in the Chicagoland area and, at a very young age, returned with his family to Italy, where he grew up on a farm in Northern Italy. At the age of 18, he returned to the United States and settled once again in the Chicagoland area, where he began building the life that would eventually become his own. At the young age of 38, Rusty moved his wife and their five children from Chicago to Cape Coral, Florida, where he and his family enjoyed the remainder of his life.
Rusty had a lifelong love of music. He became the owner and operator of a music business, where he also shared his passion by providing music lessons to others. His work in music was an important part of the life he created in America.
Rusty was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou Rigoni. Together, they built a family that remained the greatest joy of his life.
He is survived by his children, Lia Sandman (Tom Schaefer), Ricardo Rigoni (Debbie Schepler), Kim Garcia, Michael Rigoni (Julie Schultz Minch), and Todd Rigoni (Lisa Rigoni).
He was a proud grandfather to Steven Sandman, Sharon Lee, Nicholas Rigoni, Vincent Rigoni, Scott Sandman, Kendra Brigleb, Christopher Garcia, Michael Rigoni Jr., Troy Garcia, Dakota Vawter, Makenna Catrone, and Dalton Vawter.
His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Jackson Sandman, Jayden Garcia, Finley Sandman, Kai Rigoni, Sophie Lee, Marla Catrone, Jessica Lee, and Leo Rigoni.
Rusty was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to tell a great joke. He loved bowling and fishing and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and the company of family and friends.
Rusty lived a long and meaningful life, from his childhood in Northern Italy to the life he built in the Chicagoland area, followed by the many years he and his family enjoyed in Cape Coral, Florida. He created a career through his love of music and, most importantly, a family whose lives will carry his memory forward.
He will be remembered for his humor, his stories, his love of music, and the many lives he touched throughout his 99 years.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
A Visitation for Rusty will take place from 9:00 - 10:15 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2026 inside the Chapel at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Boulevard S, Cape Coral, FL 33991, (239) 283-0540. Upon conclusion of the Visitation, friends and family will travel to St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, Florida 33904, (239) 574-4545 for a celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:45 AM. At the conclusion of Mass, guests will travel to Coral Ridge Memorial Park where Rusty will be laid to rest alongside his dearly departed wife Mary Lou at Mausoleum I located in the Garden of Memory.
With heartfelt love and gratitude, we say goodbye to Rusty. May he rest peacefully, and may the music, laughter, and memories he shared remain with us always.
