James L. Rigassio of Summit, NJ died at the VA NJ Health Care System, Lyons, NJ, on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the age of 89.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Summit, on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:45 AM followed by the entombment at St. Teresa's Mausoleum. Arrangements by Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial. To send condolences please visit www.ippolitofuneralhomes.com.
Jim was born in West Hoboken, NJ (now known as Union City) and was raised in North Bergen. He was a resident of Summit since 1963.
Jim received a bachelor's degree from Newark College of Engineering, now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and a master's degree in industrial engineering from Yale University. As aProfessional Engineer he worked as chief engineer for Johnson & Johnson, then taught at NJIT as a professor and chaired the department of industrial and management engineering. He retired from NJIT in 1986.
Jim enlisted in the Army for active duty in World War II, serving from 1942 to 1946 in the 335th Infantry Regiment of the 84th Infantry Division in the European Theatre of Operations. He received numerous battle decorations including the Purple Heart.
He used his skills and knowledge to harness the winds and navigate the tides to embark with his family on sailing adventures and win sailing races. As an avid sailor, Jim's passion included the loving care and restoration of old wooden boats, for which he received awards in judged competitions.
Jim was the beloved husband for 53 years of Anna (nee Veelenturf) of Summit.Loving father of Nancy Rigassio (Carmen Curto) of Readington Township, Anita (Todd) Rigassio-Smith of Massachusetts, James C. (Mimi) Rigassio of Virginia, and Diane (Charles) Rigassio Radler of Plainfield. Dear brother of the late Louis Rigassio. Cherished grandfather of James, Emma, and Hugh Rigassio.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Summit Rescue Squad, PO Box 234, Summit, NJ 07902 or to Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.
Read James Rigassio's Obituary and Guestbook on ippolitofuneralhomes.com.
