Leo J. Rigard

Leo J. "Pickles" Rigard, 104, of 347 Walnut Street, St. Marys, died on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at his home after living vibrantly for nearly 105 years.

He was born on May 31, 1916, in St. Marys, a son of the late Michael and Theresa Gschwendtner Rigard.

On May 28, 1947 in Sacred Heart Church, he married the late Rita Copello Rigard, who preceded him in death on February 20, 2002.

Pickles was the oldest member of Sacred Heart Church, where he had proudly served as an usher for many years.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1941-1946 during WWII, and was also the recipient of a Purple Heart.  He retired from Stackpole Carbon Company after 50 years of service.
Pickles was a lifelong and dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.  He volunteered his time for more than 30 years cooking hotdogs at the annual bonfire for ECC.  He enjoyed attending the games and functions of his grandchildren, and never turned down the chance to play a game of cards with his friends and family.  Most of all, he adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

He is survived by two daughters; Mary Kay Seelye and her husband Alan of St. Marys and Jane Hyde of Gettysburg and by one son; Bruce Rigard and his wife Connie of Tennessee.  He is also survived by six grandchildren; Emily, Joshua, Eric, Alyssa, Lisa, and Anthony and by nine great-grandchildren, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son in infancy, Leo Rigard, Jr., by six brothers; Edward, Francis, Romayne, Vincent, Jerome, and Gervase Rigard, and by four sisters; Irene Laird, Iona Laird, Genevieve Weichman, and Kathleen Rigard in infancy.

Visitation and Funeral Services for Leo J. Rigard are being held privately with the family.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

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