ST. PETERSBURG – It is with great sadness that the diocese shares news of the death of the Rev. John. F. Riggle, Jr. on Friday, February 17, 2023. Fr. Riggle served nearly 25 years as a priest in The Episcopal Church, first as an Associate Priest of The Cathedral Church of St. Peter and later as Rector of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, both of St. Petersburg, FL. Fr. Riggle’s ministry positively impacted the lives of the people he served and loved.
Fr. Riggle left this life and stepped into the presence of his Heavenly Father on February 17, 2023.
He was born in Atlanta, GA on October 14, 1934, and grew up in Orlando, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Field and Louise; and his sister Jean Virack.
Fr. Riggle is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann Comer Riggle; his son J. Lewis Riggle (Lynn); his daughter Nora Louise McGowan (Carl); a stepson Michael E. Sordan (Janet); grandchildren Christine Lee (Gregory), Robin Banks (Joshua), Ashley McGowan (Savanah), Alyson Brooke Atwood, Michael R. Sordan and Rebecca Sordan; and great-grandchildren Wyatt, Sawyer, Bethany, Libby, Ellie, Charlie, and Jace.
Fr. Riggle was a member of the first graduating class of Edgewater High School in Orlando, FL. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served with honor aboard the USS Cony.
Following his service in the Navy, he graduated from Georgia Southern College and Nashotah House Theological Seminary.
Fr. Riggle was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests in 1967 and served nearly 25 years as a priest in the Episcopal Church, first as an Associate Preist at The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, and later as Rector of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, both of St. Petersburg, FL. Fr. Riggle’s ministry positively impacted the lives of the people he served and loved.
In his spare time, Fr. Riggle was an avid fisherman and loved to watch various sports; he was a devoted follower of the Florida State University football team, and a Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder.
Fr. Riggle memorial service was held at Sunnyside Cemetery in St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings can be made to St. Vincent’s Episcopal Church, St. Petersburg, FL.
Sola Deo Gloria.