Obituary of Sarah Kathryn "Kathy" Riggi

Sarah Kathryn “Kathy” Walls Riggi, 66, of Fairmont, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at her residence with her loving husband, Mike, her daughter Kerry, and Kim whom she claimed as a daughter, by her side. She was born September 21, 1958 in Fairmont a daughter of the late William Noel and Ruby Kathryn Price Walls. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Michael Joseph Riggi. Kathy, along with her husband, owned and operated the legendary Eighth Street Confectionary in Fairmont for over 26 years. She could always be found keeping busy in the restaurant throughout the day, constantly finding “one more thing” to do. She and Mike dedicated themselves to providing good food and services to the Fairmont community with their unique family recipes. They created many special friendships with their customers over the years. Prior to owning the restaurant, Kathy worked for over 13 years at Fairmont General Hospital in the social services department. She was a member of the Faith Church International and was dedicated to God. She was a 1976 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School. Kathy enjoyed gardening, often canning vegetables for the restaurant, and loved having plants throughout the house. She and Mike enjoyed riding motorcycles, often going on day and weekend bike trips. A deep love and concern to her was animal rescue in the Fairmont area. She loved her cats, and could not bear to see any animal in need. In addition to her husband, Kathy is survived by her daughter, Kerry Jo Salmeri of Florida, her grandsons, Kenny and Justin Salmeri, her father-in-law- Johnny Riggi of Fairmont, her sister-in-law, Jo Marie Howard of Fairmont, great-nephew Ryan Howard, and Kim Stewart of Fairmont whom she claimed as a daughter. She is also survived by her uncle-in-law, Ronnie and his wife Linda Riggi and their family, of Grove City, PA, her aunt-in-law, Shirley Batiste and her family of Mentor OH, as well as several other close relatives. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Walls, and her brother, David Lang, her step-father, Boyd Hinkle, and her mother-in-law, Lucy Riggi. The family would like to give a special thank you to Pastor Bob Bryan and his family, Dr. John Polis and his family, as well as the entire congregation of Faith Church International for all their care and concern in bringing the family home and to the Lord. An additional appreciation to John Mike and Lisa Cavicchio, and many other close friends for their love extended over the past year. Memorial donations may be made to either the Marion County Humane Society, P.O. Box 905, Fairmont, WV, 26555, WVU Hospice 2673 Davisson Run Road, Clarksburg, WV 26301, or American Cancer Society, 106 Merchant Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. If you want to help Mike or bless Kathy, please attend Faith Church International, 600 The Drive, Fairmont, WV 26554, on Sunday. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV. Friends and family may visit on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 4 PM until 8PM, and on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10AM until 11AM. The funeral will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11AM with Dr. John Polis and his family officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fairmont. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.