John E. “Jack” Risgin, 71, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the husband of Janet T. (Burdette) Risgin, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Together, they raised their family in Mattapoisett before retiring to Bluffton, SC in 2007. Jack was born in Lowell, MA, son of the late John Risgin and Katherine (Lamb) Risgin. Growing up in Groton, MA he later attended Boston College graduating in 1965 with a Bachelors in English. He began his teaching and coaching career at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School in 1968. In 1974 Jack continued on to Fairhaven High School where he proudly coached The Blue Devil’s football team from 1974 to 1982. He also coached boys tennis until retiring in 2002.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Jan of Bluffton, SC; his daughter, Jill Risgin and her partner Antonio Botta of Marion; two sons, John Risgin of Mattapoisett and his fiancée Leanne Cebula, and Joseph Risgin and his wife Julie of Franklin. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Dylan Zell, Adrienne and Ethan Risgin and Jamison and Ruby Risgin.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 27th from 10 AM – 1 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. A gathering will be held immediately following at the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett to share stories, memories and laughs, and of course, the Patriots. As Jack would want it no other way. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Coach Risgin was my high school football coach at FHS in 1974-1976 and was a significantly positive influence in my life. I wish I had been able to tell him that before he left us.