Byron’s Own ‘Uncle Sam’

BY PAT IAMON

For the last four Memorial Days, Byron has enjoyed a visit from ‘Uncle Sam’. Joe Riggi, age 80, an Air Force veteran and 40-yr resident of Byron, has been the town’s o cial Uncle Sam.

Riggi had the idea during the pandemic when Byron’s annual Memorial Day parade and almost everything else was cancelled. He borrowed the costume, hand-made by Laura Platt, and he decorated his lawnmower and wagon with red, white, and blue ribbon, patriotic banners, and of course, the American ag. He secured two large speakers into his red wagon and connected his computer pre-loaded with patriotic music and headed out midmorning. He drove up and down all the town streets blasting his music and waving to neighbors. He was a much-needed happy sight and a sign of normalcy during such a dark period when the world shut down!

In 2021, Riggi continued his one-man Memorial Day appearance. en in 2022, he joined in on the Memorial Day parade as well as the pandemic-postponed Byron Bicentennial parade in July. is year, though recovering from knee-replacement surgery, he decorated his lawnmower and wagon once again, purchased candy, donned the Uncle Sam costume and lined up for the parade. As someone who loves people, especially children, Riggi chose to be the nal entry in last week’s parade. Being at the end gave him plenty of time to weave his wagon from side to side along the parade route, giving a piece of candy to each and every child.

Becoming Uncle Sam for a day comes naturally to Riggi as he has always been patriotic. ough only age 17, the day a er graduating from LeRoy High School, he was on a plane headed to Texas, where he began his ve-year stint in the Air Force. Riggi was stationed in Limestone, Maine for his service. His base was just a few miles from the Canadian border, and his assignment was Strategic Air Command. ose ve years were very tense in US history. Between the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War, Riggi’s job of keeping B-52 bombers and other aircra in tip-top shape was critical, as his was the closest base to Russia.

Christmas holidays, people found his lawn decorated with ten or more blow-up gures. On Halloween eve, Riggi set up a huge movie screen in the side yard of his old Victorian home. Riggi, along with his two wiener dogs all dressed in costumes, handed out candy while playing a scary movie for the children and their parents to enjoy.

Caring for his invalid wife precluded Riggi from being an active member of the town’s re department, though he found a way to assist by becoming Byron Fire Department’s sta photographer. He also has helped in many ways with department fundraisers. Riggi volunteered to head Byron’s monthly euchre tournament that donates proceeds to the Byron Summer Recreation Program.

In 2010, Pat Iamon, volunteer coordinator of Genesee County’s Adults with Developmental Disabilities Dances held in Byron, asked Riggi to volunteer to take photos for a very special event she planned. at was the rst-ever Stardust Ball, a prom complete with corsages and formal wear. Riggi agreed and happily arrived dressed in a suit with a camera and tripod under his arm. He enjoyed the event so much, he showed up with his camera every month until the dances ended in 2016.

Riggi is happiest when he serves others, but he’s always had the wish to go with his peers to Washington, DC with the Honor Flight program. Just last Sunday, while sitting with other veterans at the Geneseo Air Show, Riggi was put on that waiting list. He does not know when the trip will happen, but until then and once his knee is completely healed, you can nd him every Tuesday and ursday mornings volunteering at Batavia’s VA Hospital. It’s hard to keep a good man down!

Love to write? You could earn CASH when you share your original story, personal experience, community happening or school event with us! It may be featured on our popular website for all to see and even selected for print! Go to My Hometown at www.gvpennysaver.com or email hometown@gvpennysaver.com!