United States of America
Headstone of Robert B. Rigoni
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Robert B. Rigoni

Died December 9, 1983

Robert B. Rigoni served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and 9 months. Robert served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Sergeant Robert Rigoni, Deputy Sheriff Bruce Mettler of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, and Dispatcher Michael Sweeney of the Put-in-Bay Police Department were killed when the plane they were riding in crashed into Lake Erie. The officers were traveling to assist a police chief on a neighboring island who was suffering a heart attack. All four occupants of the plane were killed in the accident. Sergeant Rigoni was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Port Clinton Police Department for nine years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Media
Robert B. Rigoni
Robert B. Rigoni 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1966 – 1970
Also Served
Port Clinton Police Department
Sergeant
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 33W · Line 13 cut as ROBERT B RIGONI
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtn9dawhmg2cjd93chfr8
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Sergeant Rigoni gave the Port Clinton Police Department 9 years.

Thank you for your service to the Port Clinton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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