Obituary of Joann Garcia Riggio
July 29, 2021
Joann Garcia Riggio died July 29, 2021 in New York, New York.
Joann was born February 26, 1961, in Denver, Colorado to Gene and Georgia Garcia. She moved to New York in her early 20s, always keeping close contact with her family in Denver. In New York, she met, and later married, Vincent "Jimi" Riggio. Joann and Jimi were blessed with son, Jake Riggio. Jake was the center of their lives.
She was an active member of her church and her community. Joann had a beautiful smile and words of encouragement for everyone. She loved people, and people loved her. Always willing to help, Joann developed many life long friendships. She could easily start a conversation with people from all walks of life and always left the other person feeling like they were the most important person in the world.
Joann loved to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed summers in the Hamptons. Holidays were always a big affair filled with balloons and color. Joann and Jimi loved to travel, often with family and friends--Christmases in the Caribbean, trips to Hawaii, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other places.
She is survived by son, Jake, sisters Rise, Mimi and Connie, brothers Marty and Robert, brother and sister in-laws Len and Louise, and Steve and Laura. Joann has many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who will miss her dearly.
Preceded in death by husband Jimi, father Gene, mother Georgia, stepmother Eleanor, mother-in-law Lena, brother Jerry, brother Steve, and sister Kathy.
Funeral Services
Visitation
August 4, 2021
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
August 4, 2021
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Get DirectionsVisitation
August 4, 2021
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
August 4, 2021
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Get DirectionsFuneral Mass
August 5, 2021
10:00 AM
General Theological Seminary
440 W. 21st St.
New York City, NY 10011
Get DirectionsShare a Memory
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Jimi will be so happy to be with you again. Together you can watch Jake as he makes his journey and guide him. You were the closest cousin in age to me and one of the funnest. So sorry we didnt have more time.
Posted by: Carol Adams - Orlando, FL - July 31, 2021
This beautiful statue is in Ukraine.
I am sad you are gone. But I take great joy in knowing Jimmy will be welcoming you into Heaven to dance with him again.
I take joy in knowing you are both whole again & have only joy, not pain. Precious Jake, a blessing & a gift in your lives, will always be in my heart & prayers.
You were a gentle soul & woman of great faith. You never let on how much pain you suffered for so many years.
I take joy in remembering our friendship and what a vital force you were at 66th Church. You blessed more lives than I can count. You shared your faith with so many. I take joy in how God Blessed you with a loving husband & amazing son.
I can hear our Heavenly Father,
saying, “Well done, my good & faithful servant”.
Love you both forever.
xoxo
Posted by: Erin Ragan Johnson - , - July 31, 2021
This beautiful statue is in Ukraine.
I am sad you are gone. But I take great joy in knowing Jimmy will be welcoming you into Heaven to dance with him again.
I take joy in knowing you are both whole again & have only joy, not pain. Precious Jake, a blessing & a gift in your lives, will always be in my heart & prayers.
You were a gentle soul & woman of great faith. You never let on how much pain you suffered for so many years.
I take joy in remembering our friendship and what a vital force you were at 66th Church. You blessed more lives than I can count. You shared your faith with so many. I take joy in how God Blessed you with a loving husband & amazing son.
I can hear our Heavenly Father,
saying, Well done, my good & faithful servant.
Love you both forever.
xoxo
Posted by: Erin Johnson - Rockford, IL - July 31, 2021
This beautiful statue is in Ukraine.
I am sad you are gone. But I take great joy in knowing Jimmy will be welcoming you into Heaven to dance with him again.
I take joy in knowing you are both whole again & have only joy, not pain. Precious Jake, a blessing & a gift in your lives, will always be in my heart & prayers.
You were a gentle soul & woman of great faith. You never let on how much pain you suffered for so many years.
I take joy in remembering our friendship and what a vital force you were at 66th Church. You blessed more lives than I can count. You shared your faith with so many. I take joy in how God Blessed you with a loving husband & amazing son.
I can hear our Heavenly Father,
saying, “Well done, my good & faithful servant”.
Love you both forever.
xoxo
Posted by: Erin R. Johnson - , - July 31, 2021
The most beautiful thing about Mrs. Riggio was how much she cared for everyone around her. She will truly be missed.
Posted by: Michael Harper - NORTH BERGEN, NJ - August 1, 2021
Joann, you were full of the spirit of life, and the kindest, most compassionate person on this earth. I will never forget you, and will always remember your good, good soul and smile. My love forever.
Posted by: Ellen Vreeland - Whitehouse Station, NJ - August 2, 2021
Are there any special organizations that Joann would like donations be sent in her name
Posted by: Brenda Vaccarino - Staten Island, NY - August 2, 2021
I met Joann at church and she was part of the Angels in Action going to Rockefeller Center dressed as angels giving out gift so to children & the Word of GOD...This was at CHRISTmas 1997!
Abundant blessings to the family ~ any help you need please let me know.
GOD's abundant blessings on Jake!
Posted by: Angela Ponte - Brooklyn, NY - August 2, 2021
Rest In Peace Joanne, and May you look over Jake always. It was a joy to know you. I am so sad you are gone. You are remembered for your kind and generous presence. Love
Posted by: Nef Vernon - Brooklyn, NY - August 2, 2021
Our family is deeply saddened by Joann'a passing. We all loved her so much. She was a breath of fresh air, and truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. I will miss her dearly. The Wood family sends love and prayers to Jake and the entire Garcia and Riggio families.
Posted by: Christi Wood - rye, NY - August 3, 2021
Sending our condolences. She was a great friend from church who always welcomed us and talked to us to see how we were doing. She will be greatly missed, it is a very sad loss.
Posted by: Dorothy Leung - New York, NY - August 3, 2021
Joann was a dear and loyal friend, even after I left New York. She was kind, generous and faithful, and loved her family so much.
Posted by: Jill Lamar - Philadelphia, PA - August 4, 2021
The loss is immeasurable but so is the Love left behind. Our deepest condolences go out to her family.
Christina and August
Posted by: christina kruse - New York, NY - August 5, 2021
Joann was a true friend with a big heart, a big smile and an unforgettable infectious laugh. May she rest in peace. I will miss her.
Posted by: Leslie Mintzer - New York, NY - August 9, 2021
