Robert “Bob” Royce Riggio, M.D., a highly respected clinician and researcher in the field of kidney transplantation, died on October 5 at New York Hospital. He was 85 and had a home in Southampton.
During his almost 50-year tenure at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Dr. Riggio dedicated his life to the care of patients and the science of medicine. An early member of the founding team at Weill Cornell’s Rogosin Institute for Transplantation, led by Dr. Albert Ruben, Dr. Riggio served as vice president of the Institute and professor of clinical medicine at the Weill-Cornell Center. Later, he took on the administrative role of vice president for quality assurance and then served as vice president for corporate compliance. Most recently, he was a consultant to Rogosin and continued as a member of its Board of Governors. Prior to joining New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Dr. Riggio performed investigative work at Charles Pfizer pharmaceutical company in the field of antibiotic development. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, received his M.D. from New York Medical College and was an intern at Bellevue Hospital.
Dr. Riggio is survived by his wife, Maureen Relland Riggio, an ophthalmic surgeon. He was predeceased by a son, Christopher Riggio. He is also survived by nephews, Sebastien Riggio, Roberto, John and Bill Riggio and their wives; and two brothers-in-law, John Relland and Pierre Relland and his wife.
A graveside service and interment took place on Saturday, October 8, at Sacred Hearts Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
A memorial service is planned in the near future.
on Oct 10, 2016