Russell H. Riggs ’58

Russell died Sept. 27, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. He was 84.

He came to Princeton from Bethesda-Chevy Chase (Md.) High School, where he participated in debating and the band.

At Princeton he majored in history and especially loved reading about American Revolutionary War battles and U.S.-British relations at the start of World War II.

In 1961 Russell graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and joined Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs, where he practiced estate law for more than 40 years. Russell was involved in state and local Democratic Party politics. He served for years as 34th district party chairman. A sixth-generation Kentuckian, he was especially knowledgeable about Kentucky political history. Russell delighted those who loved him with his wit, manners, and impeccable dress. 

In 1964 he married Sally Brown Hale, and their marriage lasted for 53 years.

Russell is survived by his daughter, Sara Brown; his son, Robert ’89; granddaughters Isabel ’21 and Grace; son-in-law Robert Meehan; and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Riggs. The class extends its deepest sympathy to them all.