John H. Riggle
Retired professor served in WWII
John H. Riggle, 87, of Houston, died Saturday, June 1, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born May 28, 1926, near Avella, a son of Walter Weaver “Tek” and Thelma Figley Riggle.
Mr. Riggle was a 1944 graduate of Chartiers High School and a 1950 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College. He received his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and Central Michigan and did graduate work at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and North Carolina University.
He taught for 40 years, 14 years at Chartiers-Houston High School and 26 years at California University of Pennsylvania, retiring as an associate professor of mathematics.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. His ship, the USS Duluth (CL-87), received two battle stars.
Mr. Riggle was a member of American Legion Post 902 in Houston, Washington-Greene County Sports Hall of Fame as a wrestling official and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He coached Chartiers PONY baseball for several years and was an avid follower of Chartiers-Houston sports, especially the girl’s softball team.
On December 21, 1951, he married Doris Paxton, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Jay Riggle (Cathy) of Erie; a daughter, Lynn Riggle of Mercer; four grandchildren, Amy, Emily and Mark (Jessica), all of Erie, and Eli of Mercer; a great-grandson, Griffin Potts of Erie; and a sister, Gwendolyn Koski (Bill) of Lancaster.
Deceased is a brother, Bertrand “Beeb” Riggle.
Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and noon to 1 p.m., the time of service, Tuesday, June 4, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, with the Rev. Clare Jean Haury officiating. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.