Joseph G. Rigby

Dec. 22, 1932 – March 3, 2026

Jospeh G. Rigby Jr., 93, of Hollidaysburg, of Graystone Manor, Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday morning. Joseph was born in Neffs Mills, Pa., son of the late Joseph Gordon Rigby and Dorothy Pauline Rupp Rigby. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Jean Pletcher and Carol Elaine Keller.

He was twice married; first to Beverly Shultz on Jan. 28, 1956, in Emporium, Pa. They were happily married for 56 years until her passing on Sept. 27, 2012.  He remarried on Oct. 14, 2013, to Dolores J. (Mock) Murtaugh with whom he had six wonderful years of marriage. She passed away Feb. 29, 2020.

Surviving are a daughter, Susan (Rigby) Gortney (Sam) of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a son, Roy Rigby (Melissa) of Huntingdon; a stepdaughter, Mary Ann Zenobia (John) of Duncansville; grandchildren: Sarah Green (Mark), Sean and Lauren Higgins, Nicholas and Jacob Rigby; step grandchildren, Emily and Gianna Zenobia; great-grandchildren, Eloise and Mark Green; and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was a 1950 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. He attended Penn State University before being drafted into the Army in 1954. He spent two years in the Army before being honorably discharged in 1956. He completed his degree at Penn State in 1958 graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

He worked at McClanahan Corp., Hollidaysburg, as a mechanical engineer, chief engineer and production manager throughout his 37 years with the company. He was very proud of his career.

Joseph was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg, and was most proud being the chairman of the building committee for the new church, where he also taught Sunday school for many years. He later became a member of the Llyswen United Methodist Church, Altoona, with his second wife, Dolores. After moving to Graystone Manor in 2023, he attended the Standing Stone United Methodist Church, McConnellsburg, Pa.

In his spare time, Joseph enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time on his pontoon boat at Prince Gallitzin State Park fishing with family and friends. He also loved hunting deer and hunted well into his 80’s. Joseph also enjoyed building furniture in his woodshop. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.

Joseph loved telling stories to anyone that would listen. His cheerful personality and smile would brighten everyone’s day.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11am, on Saturday May 16, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg. 

Arrangements are by Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Rescue Workers, 811 Scotch Valley Road, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

sorgefuneralhome.com

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