Obituary of Brian M. Rigney

Brian M. Rigney, 55, passed away suddenly on February 16, 2025 at his home in Lansingburgh, NY.

Born in Cohoes, NY on June 17, 1969, he was the son of the late Warren F. and Carol A. (Wells) Rigney. Brian was raised in Cohoes and educated in Cohoes schools, ultimately graduating from Cohoes High School in June 1987.

Brian was blessed with an outgoing nature and was quick to lend a hand when anyone needed help. He loved to help raise funds for various causes, his extrovert nature being a great asset. He loved to socialize and was often quick with a joke, ready to make anyone laugh. He never met a stranger and seemed to make friends wherever he went.

Brian was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees. He loved to travel to attend their games. His childhood idol was the late Yankees player, Thurman Munson. The love of sports was in his blood from an early age, having been involved with Little League in Cohoes in addition to bowling at the Cohoes Bowling Arena, among other activities, especially during high school, though it would be something he would enjoy to the end.

Another love of Brian’s was music. He was a mega-fan of the band, Rush. The late Neil Peart was his absolute-favorite drummer. In addition, he enjoyed Triumph, Tesla, and also was fond of some country artists, including Garth Brooks and Toby Keith.

Brian was also a loving son, brother, and uncle. He did his best to care for both his father and sister whenever they needed help. Family meant the world to him. He liked to debate musical bands with his nephew and would talk with his brother about anything under the sun [with their shared love of the Steelers often the topic!]. He took his responsibilities towards his loved ones seriously but still never lost his smile or sense of humor in the middle of it all.

Brian loved dogs and doted over the many dogs owned in his lifetime, the last being Ella, his constant companion.

Survivors include his brother, W. Christopher (Sandi Tucker) Rigney from Darrington, Washington, and his sister, Wendy C. Rigney, from Troy, NY. He also leaves behind a nephew, Brandon M. (Dani Brennan) Cahrenger, from Troy, NY, along with many cousins, friends, aunts, and an uncle. His beloved dog, Ella, now has a home with his cousin, Kelly.

The community at large will miss Brian’s helpful spirit; his family will miss his jokes and his laughter. May he dance to Neil Peart’s drumming, watch Thurman Munson hit a home run in the clouds, and may his reunion with Mom, Dad, his grandparents, and all other loved ones be filled with the happiness he tried to spread to others during his life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182 with a Funeral Service that evening in the funeral home at 6:30 P.M.

Private burial will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery, Cohoes at a later date.

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