Obituaries
Antonina (Ann) L. Rigante, 88
May 19, 2025
Antonina (Ann) Rigante died on May 19, 2025. She was 88 years old. She was the daughter of Michael and Mary Messana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Yolanda and Marie, and by her husbands Louis Rigante of 38 years and Thomas Bevan of 8 years. She is survived by her daughters Cora Rigante and Marianne James; her grandchildren Tonianne Fultz, Natalie James, and Andrew James.
Ann attended St. John’s University with a B.S. in Education, then Hofstra University with an M.S. in Special Education and a Professional Degree in Family Counseling. She taught for 38 years in New York as an elementary teacher, a Special Education teacher, and a teacher trainer. When she retired, she worked for twelve years as a Behavioral Counselor in Pennsylvania with families and schools.
Antonina will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her life and career.
A chapel service will be held May 23, 2025, at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 at 12 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://give.michaeljfox.org.
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Condolences to the Family
May 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to Marianne, Cora and your families. I grew up with your Mom and always spent times at my Uncle Mikes house. Your Mom would always play the piano and I would sit in awe watching her. She taught me how to play Chopsticks and Heart & Soul. Still remember how. My mom would always visit her and Lou in Long Island and they would cook up so many delicious foods. Ann was a loving gentle woman and she was brilliant. May she Rest In Eternal Peace. God Bless her always.
Irene Russo
May 21, 2025
Dear Marianne, Natalie, Andrew and Bertrum. The death of Antonina is indeed a sad loss for your family and the people whom she served in her professional life. She has indeed lived a generous and fruitful life of service in Education. May she rest in peace and be welcomed by the Lord who said what you did for the least of my brethren you did to me.
Tony James
May 21, 2025
Antonina L.Rigante (Aunt Ann) Will always be remembered for the many unplanned times we spent together. Michael get some clothes Aunt Ann is taking you for the weekend. Someone that never gave me advice only solutions and answers. if I got on her nerves, she would get me a frisbee or a kite. Something to occupy me instead of yelling at me. she showed me how to be a good uncle to my nieces and nephew because I did the same thing. My whole family is been telling me to shut up my whole life, but when she did it. There was a spark in her eye, and a smile, and that’s how I always remember her. Even her anger showed me love. This quality and her came from a mother. I love you godfather Your nephew Michael Busardo
- Services
- Friday, May 23, 2025
- 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
- Cemetery of the Holy Rood
- 111 Old Country Rd
- Westbury, NY 11590
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