Jeffrey Robert Rigo

As Jeffrey Robert Rigo would say, “I’ve left the planet,” even if he wasn’t quite ready. Jeffrey left us on July 27, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. He was born on December 4, 1952 in North Olmsted, Ohio to Steve and Helen Kelley Rigo (also deceased). He is survived by Ken Rackow, his partner of 28 years, and his siblings Greg (Sue), Tim (Cherri), Terry and Mary (Brian), 6 nieces and nephews Jennifer, Stephen, Christopher, Kelly, Sean, and Jacquelyn. He was also preceded in death by his partner Fred Cossins who died of AIDS in 1993. Much as Jeffrey cared for Fred throughout his illness, Ken did the same for Jeffrey, caring for him at home with support from family, friends, Arosa Home Care and Hospice until his passing.

Jeffrey was born and raised in Ohio as a Catholic, serving as an altar boy through the 8th grade. Spirituality was important to him, and in his last months he brought the faith of his childhood into his journey. He was the proverbial middle child, a bit rebellious but a kind and gentle soul who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind on matters important to him. His teen years were during the Woodstock era, which fit his personality and the flower child lifestyle he embraced. Soon after his high school graduation he moved to Denver and after a five year stay settled in San Francisco, the magical city he called home for over 40 years.

Once in San Francisco, his ingenuity and talent led him to Levi Strauss where he worked for 24 years, retiring as a Senior Network Engineer.

Jeffrey was a political activist on issues important to him. After his retirement from Levi’s, he was devoted to local progressive politics, supporting campaigns, providing constituent services in Supervisor Gordon Mar’s office and cofounding D4ward, a progressive activist organization in SF District 4. He was broadly committed to human rights, with special focus on housing and land use issues. Jeffrey was always curious, always learning. His perspectives were informed, nuanced and often unique. His political involvement was well served by his own particular blend of humor, charm and fearlessness.

People liked Jeffrey almost instantaneously. He was magic. He loved parties, dinners, music, art, nature and us. His laugh was joyous. There are many memories of trips on the Russian River, Outer Sunset famous Halloween installations and parties, late dinners prepared very very slowly over a bottle of red wine and a smidge of weed, bike rides along Ocean Beach, trips back to Cleveland and travel with Ken.

We will remember and miss Jeffrey – it feels too soon to us too. A celebration will be held with family and friends. If you are so inclined to make a donation, please consider the Russian Riverkeeper at russianriverkeeper.org or By the Bay Health: Beyond Hospice bythebayhealth.org