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Tim Markey posted a condolence
Sunday, November 9, 2025
From a flood of memories decades later, I wish to offer my condolences to Dr. Riga's family, friends, colleagues, and students. I was the last of those blessed people at Canisius. Dr. Riga was an absolutely fine professor of English, having taught me Romantic Literature in the English Honors Program. The choice of authors was gripping, and I remember his lively presence kept students engaged and participating. We wrote a lot, I think. I know that, for one essay, as a still undisciplined reader and writer, I wrote too much, and he made that clear, a mistake I never made again. _Don Juan_ was a revelation, and reworking my essay on the Haidée Canto I had something to present to graduate schools in English and Comparative Literature. Whatever was of value, not least clarity, I know I owe to Dr. Riga in that one course. The University of Chicago liked it well enough to offer me admission, just to be clear about his wonderful influence. Perhaps needless to say, he was a wonderful member of a superb English Department in illo tempore, truly a tremendous department, as was Modern Languages and Philosophy, then to be expected at a Jesuit college but realized at Canisius at a national standard. I wanted to write this not about me but about, if I may, how important Dr. Riga was to me, as I did go on to graduate school for the Ph. D. and have lived a life of teaching and scholarship. I am delighted to learn that he kept to the sax, and that he went on to publish fiction and poetry. God bless and keep him close now and forever and comfort his family and all who mourn him. Tim Markey
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Margo Skowronski/Tomasik posted a condolence
Saturday, October 25, 2025
I'm so sorry Johnny, Mary, Frankie Nina and family.
I remember when your father Mary, took you and I to see the Lipizzan stallions at the Niagara falls convention center.
What a thrill it was for me. He also built us a balancing beam in your backyard.
Just wanted to say we have precious memories that will never forget. God bless you all. My love to all the Riga's.
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Kevin and Janet Jensen planted a tree in memory of Frank Riga
Friday, October 24, 2025
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In tribute to a missed scholar, poet, delightful correspondent, and proud parent. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Kevin Jensen posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2025
I am pleased to have experienced Frank Riga's wonderful insights and articles about our shared fascination with Shakespeare, on whom Frank had published several articles. His insights about Prospero were particularly on target, and the manner in which Frank described the play The Tempest revealed a deep moral core and foundation from which Frank based his judgments. He shared his Shakespeare books, and later, his poetry and writings, with me. I enjoyed interacting with him. And I am grateful to him above all else for having given to me a wonderful colleague - his daughter - with whom I enjoy physics still. He was an inspiration.
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Amy Wolf posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2025
The Department of English at Canisius mourns Frank and offers their condolences to his family and friends. Dr. Frank Riga was known for his easy smile and laughter, passion for Romantic literature, and the sense of humor and deep intellect he brought to the discussion of books and ideas. As chair of the English department I have heard from Frank's students all over the country as they learn the news of his passing. He was a beloved teacher and will be so missed by legions of students and his former colleagues. We have donated to Hospice Buffalo in his honor.
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Maureen Thum posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2025
I have known Frank for almost 40 years. I first met him at a summer seminar at Brown University in the summer of 1986. A group of us professors working in the same field became friends throughout that summer and subsequently presented at conferences on and off for the next 25 years. We would run into each other drink great wine, eat great food, and share one another’s papers and books.
All of us who knew Frank knew him as a man who loved literature and writing and who spoke often about his family.
Frank surprised all of us when he suddenly began writing novels, and continued to produce one every two or three years, even though each one was going to be his “last one.”
Frank will be sorely missed by all of us. He was a good friend and colleague who added life, complexity, and knowledge of good wine, to our band of English professors from all over the country.
Dr. Maureen Thum, University of Michigan-Flint
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Cathy uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
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Carl Altamura posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
We here in California are deeply saddened by the passing of our Uncle . My Uncle was smart, kind, gracious and always accessible. His visits to Napa were cherished and he certainly relished being with his big sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our Buffalo (and beyond) family. God speed. Carl Altamura
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Ken Barker posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
My dear friend I love you
Thanks for the conversations and the friendship
Ken
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Ted Tomasik posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Thank you professor Riga for all the great memories you provided the Tomasik family and for that matter all the kids in our neighborhood and especially taking the time to review my English papers while I was a student at St Francis. Pax et Bonum. I very much enjoyed listening to you play the saxophone as well.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Frank Riga
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cannan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Frank P. Riga uploaded a photo
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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