William E. Riggs,

William E. Riggs (83) of Lancaster passed away following an extended illness on May 6, 2014 with his loving, devoted wife, Marie, by his side. Bill was born in Canton, PA in August, 1930 and was the son of the late Donald and Frances Riggs. He graduated from Canton, Jr-Sr High School in 1948 and spent many years of his life in Canton where he met and married Anne Marie Landon and raised his family. He owned and operated a communications service Business for 25 years and in 1983 he sold the business and began a new career in Washington, DC working in the radio department for Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco). Upon retirement in 1998, Bill and Marie returned to Pennsylvania and settled in Lancaster. In addition to enjoying their retirement years, Bill returned to work in 2005-2014 for Lancaster County’s 911 Communications Center. Bill loved life to the fullest and remained active throughout his entire life. Outside of work Bill enjoyed, first and foremost, his family and spending time with his wife, Marie. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage and 9 children. He enjoyed traveling and participating in numerous hobbies including gardening, carpentry and watching the Phillies. Bill was a self-taught man who enjoyed learning new things and remained current in his field of expertise throughout his entire life. Bill was a Ham Radio operator, obtained his first license in 1946, and held the Advanced Extra Class license. He also achieved his private pilot’s license in the early 1970’s and he and Marie made numerous flights throughout the region. He faced all of life’s challenges including his final days with a quiet, calm, resolve. He is predeceased by his father and mother and youngest son, Jimmy. He will be lovingly remember by his wife, Marie and his children: Larry Riggs of Canton, PA, Mary Ann (Rick) Gorman of Waverly, NY, Linda (Tom) Miller of Lock Haven, PA, Stephen (Jana) Riggs of Bowie, MD, John (Janie) Riggs of Canton, PA, Christine (Gary) Andrewlavage of Elizabethtown, PA, William (Sheila) Riggs of Canton, PA, Susan (Clint) Zohner of Lebanon, PA; his 19 grandchildren and 12 Great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange Street (corner of Orange and Pine Sts.) Lancaster, PA 17603 with the Reverend Donald LeMaster officiating. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Private family interment in Park Cemetery, Canton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to: Hospice & Community Care, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or by visiting their website at: www.pathways@hospicecommunity.org" title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.pathways@hospicecommunity.org or to: ALS Association Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA or by visiting their website at www.alsphiladelphia.org/donation.

William E. Riggs,

May 8, 2014