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"FOR THE BIRDS" - Remembering Richard Rigano

Sarah Rigano is raising money for Berkshire Bird Observatory
In memory of Richard G. Rigano
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Our mission is to promote the conservation of birds through science, partnerships, and education. In this era of rapid environmental change, it is vital to keep a pulse on wildlife populations. We need to know which species are most impacted so we can set conservation priorities. Our focus is on birds. During spring and fall, we monitor bird migration along the Atlantic Flyway, which allows us to track trends over time. We share our data with our government and non-profit partners to maximize its conservation impact. Though data informs conservation efforts, working with wildlife up close offers unique opportunities to educate and enthrall. We welcome visitors to our banding station and leverage the wonder of a bird in the hand to inspire a love of birds and the habitats they depend on. Our banding station serves as a hub for field-based research, training, and education in our region. In the summer, we participate in collaborative projects to help understand the population dynamics of our local breeding birds. We also take direct action to help recover a declining species through our Kestrel Nest Box Project. As a Berkshire-based conservation nonprofit, we aim to have a big impact locally by contributing quality data and offering unique education and training opportunities to people in our communities. Through our collaborative partnerships, we are also doing our small part to support large-scale bird conservation efforts.

Story

Richard “Dick” Rigano passed away peacefully the morning of October 17th, 2025, surrounded by family at his home of 43 years in Somers, NY. He was 82.

Dick was a good man, a kind man, a wise man. He defined success as a life well-lived, marked by laughter, love, and respect- things he offered freely and sought to encourage in others.

Dick dedicated himself to helping people in need. After graduating from Mamaroneck Highschool, he earned his B.A. from Stetson University and an M.B.A. from Pace University. He built a distinguished career at Westchester Medical Center in social services and hospital administration. He later founded a successful consulting company working with several major hospitals throughout New York focused on patient advocacy. He was guided by integrity and a genuine desire to serve.

Born with a gift of insight and words that carried weight, both written and spoken, Dick saw the best in people, extending compassion to those facing challenges or hardship, offering sage advice and quiet support wherever he could. He possessed an unshakable curiosity about the world and was fascinated by history, humanity and the natural world. He was an avid reader and always learning. He was a collector of ideas, objects and records that reflected his spirited personality. He found joy in conversation, specifically in laughter shared with others, and is widely remembered for his legendary sense of humor.

A devoted husband and father, Dick was deeply grateful for his marriage of 52 years to his best friend and the love of his life, his wife, Kathie Rigano who survives him. He is also survived by his loving daughter Sarah Rigano. He is predeceased by his younger and much-loved daughter, Lisa Rigano, and his parents Dominic and Getrude Rigano. He remains a deeply cared for Brother, Brother-In-law, Uncle, Cousin, Friend and Colleague.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Tuesday, October 21, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the conservation and educational work of Berkshire Bird Observatory. https://www.justgiving.com/page/forthebirds

It was his wish that his memory be celebrated joyfully, and it was his hope that if moved, one would extend an act of kindness in his honor to another navigating the struggle of living. Through this, his legacy of care continues on.

Donation summary

Total
US$3,250.00
Online
US$3,250.00
Offline
US$0.00

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