A DEATH
HAS OCCURRED
April 6, 1944 – March 10, 2023
Leo James Riga
It is with broken hearts that the family of Leo James Riga announce his passing on March 10, 2023, after a four month battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Leo was born on April 6, 1944, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the ninth of the ten children to Frank and Katherine (nee Green) Riga. In 1963, he met Kathy Schermer, in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were married in 1964, while Leo was serving in the US Air Force.
Leo was preceded in death by grandson, Kevin Jr, brothers Ivo and Roy and sisters. Sr. Petra, Rita, Jane Ferguson and Martha Uebelhor. Surviving siblings are brothers Guy and Steve, and sister Joan O’Connell.
Leo leaves behind Kathy, his wife of 59 years and four devoted children; Kevin (Cristi), Jeff (Mary), Shelly (Tim) Dawson and Michael (Jimmi); 10 grandchildren, Nicole (Josh) Pez, Kacey and CJ; Kaitlyn (Jimmy) Hertzler, Ryan and Maddie, Rob and Katie Dawson; Allie and Katie and 7 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Leo will be missed by a vast number of relatives and friends.
“Keep calm and Grandpa will fix it.”
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, when services will begin, at The Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, 45231. Once on the ground of the memorial park, follow the blue line to the funeral home. Burial will take place at Arlington Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations can be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati (Twin Towers) at hospiceofcincinnati.org or the Life Link Foundation at https://lifelinkfoundation.org/.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Garden Funeral Home
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Garden Funeral Home
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 1:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Gardens
“Will miss you always brother. Gods speed.”
03/14/2023
“I am thinking of you all. I will always remember Uncle Leo’s smile and laugh. I can picture him sitting around the table with family, cups of coffee, a deck of cards and plenty of laughter and stories. It has been many years since I have seen him but he is in several memories of family gatherings.”
03/14/2023
“We’re so sorry to hear of Uncle Leo’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and Kelly Ferguson and Family🙏”
03/13/2023
“So very sorry to hear of your loss. We both always enjoyed talking with Leo…..it was like catching up with an old friend. I have not told Red yet. He had a stroke and is still in the hospital, but doing better, but I know he would send his deepest sympathy to you, Kathy, and your family. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Red and Cathy”
03/12/2023
“Dear Kathy and family. I am so very sad to hear of Leo’s passing. He will be greatly missed by many. I remember during our “baseball years” all anyone had to say was “Leo” and everyone immediately knew who the good guy was that you were mentioning. You both have made an indelible impression on those of us who lived in good old NCH during those great, fun years. God bless you and your family. Dot Schaeper-Michel”
03/12/2023
“Kathy and Kevin, So sorry to hear of Leo’s death. I have 3 friends currently fighting this horrible disease. I pray the favor of our Lord and Savior will fill your hearts with the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Blessings, Brenda”
03/12/2023
“Kathy & family, Love, prayers & sympathy. Ken told me about the time he brought Leo to Cincinnati while on leave from the Air Force. I don’t remember where they were stationed, but, invited Leo to come meet Kathy. Rest his history. I’m sure Ken & Leo will meet in Heaven! Love you all, Pat Steimle”
03/11/2023
“Kathy, Rick and I are so sorry to hear the news of Leo. We loved having you both as our Neighbors on Devonwood and catching up from time to time after you two moved. Thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in our prayers as everyone navigated the days ahead.”
03/11/2023
“You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.”
03/11/2023
“Kathy, I am sorry to hear of your husband’s fight with pancreatic cancer and his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”
03/11/2023
“I always enjoyed seeing Leo at our monthly luncheons. Even though he was not a classmate, you felt like you had known him for many years. Kathy so sorry for your loss.”
03/11/2023
“I am sending you my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I didn’t know Leo personally, but his reputation preceded him . . . a reputation that was such that I would have liked to have known him. Kathy, please know that he has been in my prayers since I heard of his illness about a month ago. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and he will definitely be sorely missed. Heaven has gained another soul to bask in the glory of God. God Bless you all!”
03/11/2023
“Our condolences and prayers are with you Kathy and all of Leo`s family. Leo was a good guy and always interesting to talk to and will beissed by the `61 NCH lunch bunch. May Jesus hold you in the palm of His hand.”
03/11/2023
“Leo will be sorely missed! The Riga family is in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.”
03/10/2023
“So sorry to hear of your loss. Always enjoyed being with you & Leo at our class luncheons.Leo will be sorely missed!”
03/10/2023
“Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the family.”
03/10/2023
“Always kind with a smile on his face. I’ll miss you Uncle Leo. Alice Schermer”
03/10/2023
“I am so sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Riga family.”
03/10/2023
“Such a good, kind and loving big brother!! Will miss you Leo!!”
03/10/2023
“We are so sorry to see this announcement, what a shock, our prayers are with the whole family”
03/10/2023
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