Shelburne Falls, MA – John Robinson Riggan was born on December 11, 1943, to Merle and George Riggan. He died on July 2, 2026.
Rob graduated from Haverford College with a BA in History. He spent three years in the Army Medical Corp, one of those years in Vietnam. He resumed his studies at Vanderbilt University where, in a whirlwind romance, he met and married Margalee Oelrich, with whom he spent the next 50 years.
Rob was a reporter at the News Herald in Morganton, North Carolina, and at the Raleigh News and Observer. He and Marg moved back to Rowe, where he designed and built their home. He worked at the Greenfield Recorder briefly, then at the Hampshire Gazette as copy editor. He wrote two novels; Free Fire Zone (W.W.Norton) and The Blackstone Commentaries (John F. Blair).
Rob served on the Board of Assessors in Rowe, and as a part-time policeman. In Buckland he served as Selectman.
Rob would hike, bike, rollerblade or cross country ski for miles and miles. He travelled the back roads of the United States, often on a motorcycle. He was a long term member of a group studying the Talmud.
Rob always had a dog.
In the end Rob suffered from severe toxic effects of exposure to Agent Orange, ultimately courageously choosing death with dignity with the help of the Vermont Comfort Project.
He leaves behind many friends to whom he was devoted and indebted; a sister, Deb Katz; and a niece and three nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, his parents and his brother, Will.
A service to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at 4PM on August 8th at the Charlemont Federated Church.
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