Merle LaVerne Rigby, 80, of Endicott, died at his residence, Friday, April 3, 2009. He was born August 2, 1928, in Wellsville, NY. He was predeceased by his parents, Clair and Iona Miller Rigby of Bolivar, NY. Merle is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Oliver Rigby; and four sons, Steven and Mark of Johnson City, NY, Neil of Endicott, NY, and Bruce and his wife, Ronda, of Endwell, NY; two grandsons, Warren Rigby of New York City, NY and Joshua Small of Endwell, NY. Warren's mother, Anna Spencer, and her son, Kristopher are also part of the family. Merle was a 32nd Degree Royal Arch Mason who belonged to Vestal-Otseningo Lodge #435. He was a Past Master of that lodge and a former Staff Officer for the Grand Lodge of New York State, holding the title of Grand Sword Bearer, and was an active member of the Director's Staff of the Kalurah Shrine. Merle was also a 50 year Ham Radio Operator, and a member of several organizations pertaining to that.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, with the Reverend Jose Valencia officiating. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Wednesday from 2-4 and evening 7-9 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 8:45 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Kalurah Temple, 625 Dickson Street, Endicott, NY 13760.