Obituary of Emil Anthony DeRiggi

                And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand...

Emil A. DeRiggi, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  He shared 91 years of love and faith with all who knew him.  A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 13th at 10:00 am at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.  Friends and relatives may visit on Tuesday, September 12th from 4-8 pm.  Donations in his name may be made to the good work of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org .  Please share your memories with his family here.  They will cherish them always.

Emil was born in Newark in 1926 to the late Joseph and Virginia DeRiggi.  They were Italian immigrants here to chase the American dream.  After his high school years, he attended an Arts School.  He was passionate about art and quite talented.  He proudly served our country in the US Army during WWII.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to the states and began working in the family business, Newark Elevator Co., still trying his hand always with a pencil or brush.   

In 1949 after a whirlwind romance, he married his sweetheart Antoinette Santangelo.  The couple bought their first home in Rahway and eventually settled in Parsippany where they raised a family of their own. A product of the greatest generation, Emil knew the value of hard work and a dollar.  He was a great Dad and a loving husband, always putting the needs of his family first while instilling strong values of love, faith  and good character.  He was a talented carpenter and could fix anything.  He enjoyed reading and puzzles, but above all, he loved having his grandchildren near,  The sun rose and set on the kids and in in the past few years, he was honored with the title “Great Grandpa”, which he felt proud and blessed to be! Although we are saddened, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his dear Antoinette.  This family Patriarch has given us much to celebrate. 

Predeceased by his wife Antoinette(2006) and two sisters; he leaves beautiful memories to his children Linda Smith (Arthur), Emil Jr. (Gail) and Mary Ellen Saskowitz (Charles); his adored grandchildren Meghan Lazorchak (Dan), Adam DeRiggi (Cayla), Courtnie Rusignola (Damon) and Alexis Palazzo (Mike); his sweet great grandchildren Miles, Louis, Sienna, Dante, Farrah and Lincoln; dear sister and brothers Bridget DeRiggi, Michael (Lena) and Robert (Laura); his loyal canine Cha Cha; and many more dear relatives, friends and acquantainces.