Dr. Gary Riggs Obituary

I will miss seeing you working on the property, and giving a wave.

Rest in peace, old friend.

Gary, Dr. Riggs, was a gift to anyone who knew him professionally or personally. He had a penchant for perfection in himself and in his endeavors. I knew him to be a kind and loving person and a creative artist who made living art of his land and his home, visually. His love for family was a beautiful thing, his sons meant the world to him, he was so proud of each of them, and spoke of them frequently. He was to me a wonderful friend and multitalented human who loved life and all it offered him. I will always hold his memory with my heart. Sail away Gary with freedom and grace.

On behalf of the Bostelle Family, Dr. Riggs will always be remembered as an avid collector, an amazing dentist and a wonderful friend to our family in many different ways.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity through the years.

Rest Peacefully, Doc.

Jeff Pendergast, Ardmore, PA

I have a very nice dentist now. He is enthusiastic, complimentary, and quick. He often thanks me for “taking such beautiful care of your teeth.” His office is a bit of a time warp with ‘80’s decor. The exam rooms have older chairs with thin padding, dull lights and yard sale watercolors hanging on the walls. There is a water pik, compressed air gun and that dang saliva sucker that I’ve never quite mastered. Oddly enough, there is no rinse bowl with the water valve next to the chairHis office is staffed with a familiar crew of helpful middle aged women, receptionists, hygienists and schedulers that double as insurance specialists. It all works just fine and I’m happy there, but what DDS Richelau and his very nice team will never know is that they will never live up to the standard set by Dr. Gary Riggs and his staff of pretty ladies who were so dedicated to him and always happy to see me. ❤

I first became a patient of Dr. Riggs in 1970. Even after I moved away from Philadelphia for 15 years I still returned to him for bi-annual exams and cleaning. When I returned to the area he continued to be my dentist and that of my mother and of my daughters. Not only was he an excellent dentist but, as demonstrated by the continuity of his practice, a good person to work for. He prepared for retirement first by having Dr Logan join the practice and later by carefully selecting Dr. Shah to take over. His commitment to excellence and his sensitivity towards his patients -both the very young and old-was a remarkable gift.

In 1970, when I was 15, I personally chose Dr. Riggs as my dentist upon a recommendation from my orthodontist. Dr. Riggs effectively dealt with my unusual pain sensitivity. His artistry in personally making a bridge for me in the early 80's was phenomenal. He remained my dentist, and the dentist for my husband and children, until he retired.

I was a dental hygienist for Dr. Riggs for 22 years. He was a wonderful dentist and I thoroughly enjoyed working with and for him. He was very kind and generous to all. My deepest condolences to all his family.

Dr. Riggs has been a part of our family in one way or another since the early 70’s. It’s hard to say which we appreciated more—his skill or his humor! What a gift he was to us and to all his patients. It is with gratitude and fondness that we remember him!

I had the honor and the privilege of working for Dr Riggs as one of his hygienists, for 35 years, until his retirement. He was the best employer and a person who I have always admired and looked up to. He had so much knowledge and experience that was invaluable. Not just in the dental field but all aspects in life.

Even 6 years later, I’m still there because he found just the right person to buy his practice offering the same caring, high quality of care.

Dr Riggs was a special person who had such a big heart and did so many wonderful things for people and supported many causes. He never wanted it known. I had an aunt that told me once “If you get your thanks here on Earth, you won’t get it in Heaven.” He’s more than earned a special place there.

It’s still hard to believe he is gone. I will miss his dry sense of humor and him stopping by the office just because. RIP Dr Riggs. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

I had the honor of being Dr. Riggs assistant for eight years. He gave me a chance and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He was a great teacher—patient, kind, and full of wisdom. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Although I only met Dr. Riggs a few of times, it was clear, he was a truly smart, caring, and fascinating man. He left a lasting impression on both of my husband and I, especially with the legacy of the dental practice. Our heartfelt condolences to all his children and former patients.

Dr. Riggs is one of those people who retains a place in one’s heart and mind forever. I was a 10 year old patient and upon returning to the area at 62, went back to the old practice and Celia told me I just missed him. As a patient this time, but his presence still filled the office. His trust in Dr Shah will extend Gary’s legacy and that is one of life’s unexpected pleasures. I have a vision of him driving off in his orange Volvo wagon in the sky. RIP Dr. Rigg’s. Thanks for the memories.

With a heavy heart I must say "Fair Well". I was a patient of Dr Riggs for a very long time. A side from his skill, he was a delight to know. He leave a great legacy. My condolences to his family.

I became a patient in 1969. We moved away in 1995, but I came back to Dr. Riggs when we returned in 2015. What a wonderful man and a wonderful dentist.

I was the first in my family to become Dr. Riggs patient. When my husband thought he was being over-diagnosed and overcharged by another dentist, he switched to Dr. Riggs, got an honest assessment, and never looked back. My children became patients also. He was the best. Our condolences to his family and friends.

I was a friend and a patient of Dr. Gary's. His children and mine grew up together; he was my dentist and the greatest one I ever had. He made some caps for my front teeth and he was so talented in doing this. There was one that he wasn't as pleased with and told me "if I see you socially and that tooth bothers me we will have to change it". Well it never bothered him and it certainly didn't bother me! He had a great sense of humor and loved his children dearly. He is dearly missed.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Rigg’s sons, family & friends. If any one was able to make going to the dentist a pleasant and relaxing experience, it was Dr. Riggs with his great sense of caring and kindness for his patience.

I met Dr Riggs after being referred to correct previous work on a crown, and that referral was one of the best things that happened to me. It was a pleasure going to the dentist again, not to mention the great conversation and joking, as best I could reply with my mouth wide open in the chair. His attention to detail, especially when down in his basement "creating" dental restoration items, was impeccable and this reflected in his staff. As a patient, I felt like I was part of an extended family. The effort he went to in finding someone to continue the practice was another example of his dedication to us all. It took a while, but Dr Shah was a perfect fit. The world has lost a great man. RIP Dr Gary Riggs.

I was a patient of Dr. Riggs for almost 40 years. His skills& concern for his patients were always appreciated. And I can’t forget trading barbs& jokes with him,applauding myself when I got a big laugh from him. They don’t make many like dr. Riggs.RIP

Dear Uncle Lynn, Thanks for teaching me how to brush my teeth when I was 4. I have the photos to prove it. Thanks for being more of a big brother to me and providing respite while I tackled the slings and arrows of Manhattan life. Thanks for taking such good care of gramma, my mom, and all of us, co-workers and family. Your generosity was always masked with a lack of sentiment, but I knew you were deeply empathetic and had great love for "us kin folk" and your work team. Thanks for allowing Bruce, Jeff, Todd, and Craig to not become dentists, and supporting their paths. Thanks for waiting for a wonderfully talented person to take over your exquisite business. Thanks for the bridge you gave me back in the 80's, that all dentists who see it - bow in awe. Thanks for introducing me to Mahler and tolerating my love of Brahms German Requiem as the only classical music worth hearing. Thanks for being the adult in the room. Daggnabbit, I miss the heck out of you. Rest in Love, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Aloha, Uncle Lynn

Dr. Riggs was the best. I was always proud to be his “most boring patient”. RIP, Gary.

I only knew Gary for a few years - the best and most accomplished dentist I have ever had. I always felt he had my best interests at heart and did some amazing things to save some at risk teeth. I am grateful that he chose Dr. Shaw to take over his practice who has similar values, skills and care for his patients. Gary shared his wide interests and was always interested in an interesting conversation. He was much more than a dentist - I felt like I was a person to him, not just a patient. I loved the classical music he had played in his office, the only medical professional I knew who chose classical - it was somehow comforting and engaging. All best thoughts to his family and to Gary on his Journey beyond this earthly realm.

What a very sad note to read this morning. Gary was my dentist for 52 years when I first moved to Paoli. I never thought I would enjoy going to the dentist, but Gary changed that as I always enjoyed his humor and wit. What great memories to keep.

Dr. Riggs was truly a professional. He was one that made you feel like you were his favorite patient. At the end of every teeth cleaning appt (twice a year for 18yrs) he would come in and exam my teeth and would always say, "boring."
For 18 years, I always looked forward to him saying that to me. He always made me feel special. My condolences to the family.

What a great dentist he was. I will always remember our bantering back and forth during my dental visits. He will be missed.

Having spent 40+ years in Gary’s “chair” we exchanged many sharp witted comments that entertained and keep us laughing. A great Dentist and even better person.

Dr Riggs was our dentist for 10 years, and we grew not only to respect him but to like him enormously. He was ‘one of the good guys’ and the world is less now that he has passed.

May the family cherish the memories. He was a great dentist with a wonderful wit. I am glad I was able to see him just a short time ago. I will miss him.

Gary was at first my neighbor and them my dentist. A great man. RIP old friend.

I was in need of a dentist to repair a tooth on a Friday afternoon and as fate would have it found Dr. Riggs. I was fortunate to have Dr. Riggs as my dentist for 37 years. He was a skilled dentist and a very warm and kind man. RIP Dr. Riggs

Gary: you were a good man. So glad I got to share parts of our lives together. May your memory be a blessing. My heartfelt condolences go out to your entire extended family, but especially to my friends and your sons, Bruce, Todd, Jeff, and Craig.

One of the best men I've ever known. I never would have made it through without the charitable actions of Gary and his family.

Truly a profound loss to so many. My deepest condolences to the family. Though I only knew Gary for a short time, he had a remarkable impact on my professional journey—one that’s hard to put into words. He left a lasting impression, and I’ll carry his memory with me for years to come. You’ll be missed, Gary.

My prayers and condolences to the family. Dr Riggs was truly one of a kind. He will be missed by many

Our dear Uncle Lynn, may you Rest In Peace. The adage that after a person has left us we will ALWAYS remember "how that person made us feel" will forever be with me when I think of Uncle Lynn. For decades, I was blessed to feel seen, appreciated, respected, and most of all loved by Uncle Lynn in his own inimitable way. A man who exhibited immense levels of consistent, understated graciousness and kindness to his family, loved ones and friends. A man who opened his home, always, and without question, and offered the warm generosity of his uniquely special company, comfort, ease, and hospitality. The most lovely of men, who offered us invaluable life lessons on how to treat people and live and enjoy ones life. Thank you for everything, Uncle Lynn. Megan and I miss you deeply.

Uncle Lynn, finally forcing us to be adults! No, no, you have been helping us do that all our lives. We will always be grateful for your wisdom, humor, guidance, time, creative spirit, and just for being one of the best role models we could ask for. Love you and miss you always.

Rest in peace Gary,you were/are a great person .