Leo Arthur DeRiggs, affectionately known as “Sonny”, was born on November 21st, 1920, to John Arthur DeRiggs (1875–1964) and Agatha Pace DeRiggs (1879–1972) in Belmont, St. Georges, Grenada, West Indies. His father, John Arthur DeRiggs, was from the Azores, Portugal, and was a proud World War I veteran who served valiantly in battle. His mother, Agatha Pace DeRiggs was Creole from Grenada, she was a loving mother and homemaker. His parents both ran a successful store called “Hole in the Wall.”

Leo grew up on Hillsborough Street in St. Georges, Grenada. He attended a Catholic primary school where he learned to read, write, and do basic arithmetic. Leo grew up surrounded by his siblings, whom he loved and all of whom are now deceased: George Hyacinth, Fred, Ruby, Pearl, John Jr, Denis, Rupert Edmond, Sylvia, and Lucy.

Leo left his family and Grenada in 1936, at the age of 16, to seek a new life and work in Trinidad and Tobago. Being a highly skilled tradesman and a driven individual, it didn’t take long for him to land a job at Trinidad Oil Company, where he worked as a Lunch Captain until his retirement in November of 1980. In 1959, while strolling through Point Fortin, Trinidad, with his best friend Tangerine, he met Victoria Anthony, whom he later married on April 16th, 1960, and had three children.

Leo understood what it meant to be a father. He was a true protector and provider for his wife, children, and step children. His children recall his delicious home-cooked meals of split pea soup with dumplings and curried potatoes and rice with fondness. Every Friday, his children eagerly awaited the treats that their father would bring them. Many days, Leo meticulously dressed, fed, combed his young children’s hair, and walked them to school.

Leo was a gourmet cook who loved cooking and baking. He enjoyed sharing meals with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was also a master handyman, capable of repairing anything that was broken or not working. In the local savannah, he enjoyed watching cricket and soccer matches. He adored children and delighted in spending time with his own, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an expert checkers player who enjoyed playing with his friends every Friday after work.

Leo embarked on yet another life-altering journey in the 1990s. This time to the greatest country on the planet, the United States of America. Leo brought his love of cricket to America. He was understandably dissatisfied with how the Americans desecrated cricket by transforming it into baseball. Accepting the change and giving baseball a try, Leo developed into a natural fan of America’s favorite pastime. He became a devoted Red Sox fan, and he enjoyed watching Red Sox games with his grandson, Rasheed. Knowing his grandfather’s passion for baseball, his grandson Rasheed and daughter Angela arranged for him to visit historic Fenway Park to meet his favorite player, David Ortiz, and watch a live Red Sox game, which became one of Leo’s favorite memories.

Leo Arthur DeRiggs, was 101.6, when he died peacefully, surrounded by family on May 30th, 2022, at 10:31 p.m. He will be remembered for his quiet, peaceful, and relaxed demeanor. His most memorable characteristic was his ability to not let anything or anyone bother him and never allow himself to become angry or confrontational. His memory was phenomenal and impressive for a man his age. His stories, smiles, and love will be missed but never forgotten.

Leo Arthur “Sonny” DeRiggs is survived by his wife, three children, four stepchildren, twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and family. He was a living example of what a devoted husband, father, and grandfather should be. We will miss him greatly missed.

Visitation at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Thursday June 9 from 10-11 AM. Family and friends invited. A private service will follow with the burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery.