Stephen Lyle Riggin, lifelong Sussex Countian
Stephen “Lyle” Riggin passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, shortly after being diagnosed with MDS/acute myeloid leukemia. He was born Aug. 25, 1958, in Seaford. He was the third of four children born to Harry “Chicken Ed” and June Riggin. Lyle grew up in Laurel. He loved all things sports and all things outdoors. While at Laurel High School, he excelled in the wrestling program, starting as a 98-pound freshman. Lyle and his family enjoyed summers in Fenwick Island. His love of the ocean would lead him to call the Cape Region home after graduating from Laurel High School and attending Salisbury University.
He worked many summers as a barback and bartender at the Rusty Rudder. He and his older brother Eddie helped set up the volleyball court that sits on the bay between the Rusty Rudder and the Lighthouse. It was in Dewey Beach that he met his future wife, Patrice Lindgren. They were married June 19, 1982.
He became a contractor who built or worked on hundreds of homes in the area. If you find yourself in any of the older neighborhoods in the Cape Region, then you have gone by a home that Lyle helped build.
His greatest joy came from watching his sons, Matthew and Brian, compete in their various sports. Lyle was very involved in youth sports, coaching Little League in Lewes and Rehoboth, basketball and soccer with the YMCA, and pulling tags at Seashore Strider races. He truly enjoyed coaching and was once named the YMCA of Delaware Youth Sports Volunteer of the Year.
After his boys graduated from Cape, Lyle and Patrice remained committed supporters of the Cape family. They were frequently seen at athletic events and the pair continued to handle announcing and the scoreboard for Cape Wrestling and boys lacrosse teams.
He loved the beach and spending time with his St. Louis Street family. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his grandkids.
His storytelling and quick wit will be missed by many. Towards the end of his life, he battled through multiple life-threatening illnesses, and through it all, he always maintained his sense of humor.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Patrice; his sons, Matthew (Jessi) and Brian (Sarah); his bonus son, Matthew McGregor (Gina); and his grandchildren, Cameron, Landon, Skyler, Hailey and Morgan. In addition, he is survived by his parents, Ed Riggin (Sarah Botte) and June Riggin (Don Hearn); his older sister, Deborah Murray (James); younger sister, Elizabeth Dorman (Bill Hadder); his sister-in-law, Nancy; many nieces and nephews with stories to tell about Uncle Lyle; and his faithful canine companion, Otis. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Eddie.
A private celebration of life will be announced later.
The family would like to thank Alec Chase, PA, of Tunnell Cancer Center, for his honesty and support during this difficult time, and Sherry and Lonni of Accent Hospice for making his last days peaceful and pain-free.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made in Lyle’s memory to Tunnell Cancer Center, beebehealthcare.org/softer-side-giving; or the Brain Injury Association of Delaware, biade.org/donate.
