Lawrence S. Rigas, 84, of Walton passed away early Thursday morning, July 21, 2016 at Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, New York.

Larry was born on July 7, 1932, in Detroit, MI and is the son of the late Steve and Margaret (Bumstead Bird) Rigas. Larry spent much of his childhood on his father's farm in Delhi, New York, and graduated from Delaware Academy in that same town. He then proudly served his country in the US Navy. Larry Rigas attended SUNY Delhi and Muskingum University, the latter where he met his wife, Sara Johnston, from Cleveland, Ohio, and also a student at the university. He often retold the story of how he fell in love instantly as he noticed her walking down the library stairs, saying to himself, "That's the girl I am going to marry." Larry and Sara were married on February 2, 1956, in Zanesville, Ohio.

Larry and Sara settled in the Catskill town of Walton, New York, where they raised their six children. He was a vivacious man, who was keen on telling stories and bringing smiles to friends and passersby. He was fiercely proud of his children and—and when questioned if he loved anyone more than the other—he said, "Absolutely—whoever needs it most at any one time." As a father, he was always a source of love, stability, and generosity.

Larry was a Civil Engineer for the City of New York Board of Water Supply, but his focus was in the community of Walton. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, served as a County Commander of the American Legion, Commander at the Truman C. Tobey Post # 32, was a member of the Walton Masonic Lodge # 559, was the Director of Junior Bowling League, American Legion baseball coach, town team baseball coach, director and coach of the Walton "Church League" basketball program, HS football referee, baseball umpire, and wrote a column in the Walton Reporter for many years, "Larry Says." While his children were in school, he was active and loved his work on the WCS school board. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and horse shows, and you could always find him attending even after they had long moved on. A favorite pastime was visiting with his friends at TA's diner after church on Sundays, where he was probably picking up the tab for a family member, friend, or even a stranger. He was a voracious crossword puzzle player and kept a meticulous, daily journal, and until he became ill, it was how he started his days.

Donations in memory of Larry can be sent to the Walton Central School District, 47-49 Stockton Ave, Walton, NY 13856. All donations will be used towards a graduate scholarship in his name.

Larry is survived by his loving family: his wife, Sara; his children, Steve Rigas of Walton, NY; Susan (John) Tucciarone of Abu Dhabi, UAE; Arthur (Heidi) Rigas of Oneonta, NY; Margaret (Marc) Adam of Hilton Head, SC; Richard (Megan) Rigas of Wilmington, NC; and Bridget Rigas of Williamstown, MA; grandchildren, Lawrence Robert Rigas of Lake Tahoe, NV; Concetta Tucciarone of Toronto, Canada; Lucas Tucciarone of Toronto, Canada; Morgan Rigas (Taylor Dodson) of Atlanta, GA; Zachary Rigas of Oneonta, NY; Molly Rigas of Oneonta, NY; Matthew Rigas of Oneonta, NY; Kyle Besemer (Jillian Skidmore), Lake Tahoe, NV; Erik Besemer (Stephanie Morgan) of Walton, NY; Brooke Adam (Travis Terry) of Walton, NY; Colin Adam of Walton, NY; Abigail Rigas of Wilmington, NC; Oliver Rigas of Wilmington, NC; Vincent Rigas of Wilmington, NC; Inez Garzon of Williamstown, MA; and Eloise Garzon of Williamstown, MA; great grandchildren, Olivia, Jackson, Sophia, Parker, Tinsley, and Travis; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Ernie Bird, Vance Bird, Reginald Bird, sister, Elsie "Aunt Billie" Currie, grandchildren, Brynn Besemer and Sebastian Garzon.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11 AM at United Presbyterian Church, 58 East Street, Walton, with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays, Officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Walton Cemetery, Walton. Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.