John Edward Riggs, III

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John Edward Riggs, III, 76 of Middleton, passed away on December 29, 2021, after a long battle with cardiovascular disease. He was the loving husband of Louise (Johnson) Riggs with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Born in Danvers on December 26, 1945, he was the son of the late John Edward Riggs, Jr and Madeline Irene (Johnson) Riggs.

John was a 1963 graduate of Danvers High School and a 1967 graduate of Norwich University. He was a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Vietnam War. After completing his tour in Vietnam, John came home and began a career in banking at State Street Bank & Trust. He worked at several area banks, finishing his career at Salem Five. After having to retire for medical reasons, John became very active with his alma mater. He was an avid supporter of the Norwich University hockey program, often traveling to Vermont for the games, as well as attending many NCAA playoff games around the country. John became a mentor to several players, guiding them in their careers and reinforcing the importance of building strong networks.

John also enjoyed his daily breakfasts with Louise and friends. He was a regular at Freddy's in Middleton where he would hold court, telling stories and always have a smile and a quip for anyone there. Everywhere he went he always knew someone in the crowd. John was an avid reader, often finishing 5-6 books a month and reading several at the same time. He loved fiction and non-fiction, especially historical topics relating to the military. His biggest passion in life was fly fishing. He enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Montana.

John was a member of several social and charitable organizations, including the Masonic Lodge in Manchester, MA, Shriners International, Ancient & Honorable Artillery, and The American Legion.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his son John E Riggs, IV, and his wife Jessica of Wakefield, and two grandsons, Alexander and Cormac Riggs. He also leaves a sister Joanne and brother-in-law Peter Wallace of Clearwater, FL two nieces, a nephew, a grandniece, a grandnephew and a cousin.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John's memory to the Norwich University Blue Line Club which supports the school's hockey program at https://alumni.norwich.edu/.donation/BLC with a note in the comments section "In Memory of John Riggs '67" or to Shriners Hospitals for Children online or via check to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 
 

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