WINTHROP – Russell William Riggs, 91, longtime resident of Winthrop, died peacefully Tuesday Aug. 23, 2022 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta.

He was born Sept. 27, 1930, in West Peru, Maine, to Leonard Emery and Cornelia A. (Sturtevant) Riggs.

Russell graduated from Kingfield High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Navy from 1951 to 1955 and served during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Harrington, a destroyer.

Russell married Carolyn Alice Young on May 6, 1956, in Lewiston.

Russell attended SMVTI (Maine Vocational Technical Institute) in Portland on the GI bill and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Automotive Mechanics.

He worked for Coca Cola and R. C. Hazelton Company in Portland before becoming self-employed in 1962. His businesses included Riggs Excavation, Riggs Plowing, and Riggs Bottled gas.

Russell was an active member of the Winthrop United Methodist Church, a longtime member and past president of the Hillandalers Snowmobile Club. He was a member of the Rotary and the American Legion, Alfred W. Maxwell Post 40. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association of America.

Russell was a talented athlete in school and enjoyed skiing, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping with family and friends.

Russell was predeceased by his wife Carolyn “Kay” Riggs, sister Rachel Elaine Riggs, brother-in-law William A. Young, and nephew Brian Young.

He is survived by his daughters Lisa Manwaring and husband Timothy of Manchester and Gail Matson of Concord, N.H.; grandson, Jarrett Matson of Kittery, Maine and granddaughter, Annikka Matson of Portland, Maine; sister in law Claire Young of Lewiston; nephews David Willman and wife Kathy, Dale Willman and wife Jana , all of Florida, and Bruce Willman of Maine; and various cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

A celebration of Russell’s life will be held Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, Maine. Visiting hours begin at 9 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the United Methodist Church, 58 Maine St, Winthrop, Maine. Graveside Interment with Full Military Honors at 1 p.m., Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, Maine, 04364, where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.khrfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Russell’s memory can be made to United Methodist Church of Winthrop Maine

P. O. Box 136

Winthrop Maine 04364.

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