Tony Riggio’s family moved into St. Mary of the Woods Parish in 1964.  As a thirty-something bachelor, Tony enjoyed living with his parents -- his Italian mom was a great cook!  Tony married Trish in 1969 and they settled in what is known as the Bunker Hill area of Niles.  They have a daughter, Kelly, a graphic designer living in San Francisco.

The entire Riggio family belonged to St. Mary of the Woods, and they were all in the restaurant business together dating back to 1952.  Tony’s love of the business came as somewhat of a surprise to his parents when, after graduating from Loyola University and finishing his commitment to the U.S. Army in 1957, he abandoned his plans for law school and expressed a desire to go into the family business.  He told his folks he would be one of the best educated pizza men in the city! 

The family has sold two of their restaurants but continue to own and operate the location in Niles. Tony still works at the restaurant, but is able to take a more active role in parish ministry.  He volunteers and sponsors a meal for the Night Ministry Outreach & Health Bus Team, which provides assistance to the homeless in several Chicago neighborhoods.  St. Mary’s enjoys a special “Italian Night” fundraiser each year, courtesy of Tony’s delicious food.  Additionally, he is a Eucharist Minister and assists Fr. Greg with the Saturday Newcomers’ Dinner, a gathering where Fr. Greg hosts dinner in the rectory to welcome new members of the parish and get to know them on a friendly, personal level.

When Father Greg asked, Tony agreed to join the Campaign Leadership Team.  He believes that St. Mary of the Woods is a family, and enjoys the strength of a family with many dedicated members.  The project, he feels, will strengthen relationships within the SMOW Faith Community by making the parish facilities attractive for all levels of the “family”.  It is Tony’s hope that the improvements will build and strengthen the spirit that already exists, with a strong emphasis on service projects that would attract the youth of all ages in the parish.