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KINSMAN -- Claud Herbert Rigg, 88, passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in the care of Hospice, surrounded by his family.
Claud was born July 15, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Frances Rigg Vincent.
Claud enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Aug. 11, 1954. He was stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. He worked as a machinist during the Korean War. While stationed in Jacksonville, he flew with the Hurricane Hunters of 1955. The "H.H." flew into suspicious storms and hurricanes to collect meteorological data. This data was relayed to the Fleet Weather Central in Miami to provide advance warnings against approaching storms for the ships at sea.
Claud married his sweetheart, Dona Thorpe Reed, on March 8, 1961. Claud and Dona lived in Cortland and in Summersville, South Carolina, before finally residing in Johnston. In their early years of courtship, they enjoyed roller skating and dancing. Their later years were spent going to races, to auctions and flea markets, seeking their favorite Fenton glass pieces and collecting old coins. Together they raised two sons, Claud H. "Skip" Rigg II, who passed away in 2002, and Donald E. "Rink" Rigg, who passed away in 2016. Claud and Dona enjoyed 53 years of marriage before her passing in 2014.
Claud was an avid NASCAR fan and passed that love on to his sons. He loved to attend and watch the races as well as collect NASCAR memorabilia. He also raced stock cars at Sharon Speedway in Hartford in the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
Claud enjoyed playing cards, telling stories and spending time with his family, especially at the annual Rigg / Vincent family reunion. He had a story for everything, even if his stories weren't always 100% true. He would often greet others with an inappropriate remark or a dirty joke and a silly grin on his face. He also cherished his time spent with his nephew going to Friday night fish dinners.
Claud could always be found working in his garage, tinkering around with anything and everything. There wasn't much that he couldn't fix. He believed that there was no need to throw something away simply because it was old or broken, he'd find a way to make it useful again. He loved working on cars and motorcycles with his sons, brothers-in-law, grandson, nephews and friends. In his retirement, he repaired golf carts for the local golf courses and enjoyed restoring old Cub Cadet tractors. When he wasn't in his garage or telling stories, he was playing his banjo and listening to old country vinyl records.
Claud loved animals and often housed unique pets including a skunk, a raccoon and a peacock.
Claud lived life on his terms and although he was hard-nosed and stubborn, he was also giving and loyal. He had a big personality, a crazy sense of humor and a playful heart.
Memories of Claud will be carried on by his siblings, Margaret (Jim) Groves of Cortland, Donna (Charlie) McMonagle of Bristolville, Cindy (Chuck) Church of West Farmington and Sharon Sunderland of Warren; grandchildren, Tyler (Ashley) Rigg of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Tara Lynn Rigg of Michigan; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Lucas and Maverick Rigg; stepchildren, Bobbi Lou (Timothy) Broom, Christy (Frank) Phillips and Johnny (Janet) Reed; several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to him as Uncle Julio; his best friend, Ted Osborne; and many special friends and neighbors.
Besides his mother, wife and sons, Claud was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara Nosse, Peg Hopewell, William Vincent, James Vincent and Vickie Sue Blaney; and a stepdaughter, Sandy Sellers.
Per his wishes, there are no funeral services.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org; or to Hospice of the Valley Hospice House, www.compassus.com/locations/ohio/youngstown-inpatient-hospice/.
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