Alan Theodore Riga, 89, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23. Beloved husband of 64 years to Judy Riga, he leaves behind a legacy of intellect, devotion and tireless service to others.

Alan was the loving father of Susan Riga Kirsh (Brian Kirsh), Lori Riga (Jeff Weiner) and Jill Riga. He was the cherished grandfather of Jacob (Olivia Leventhal), Adam Kirsh, Sarah Kirsh, Emma Pollack (Dylan Pollack), Andy and Allison Saks.

Alan earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and went on to build a remarkable career as a chemist in industry at Lubrizol. Even while pursuing his professional work, he found time to teach middle and high school students, sharing his passion for science with the next generation.

Following his retirement from Lubrizol, Alan continued to teach chemistry at Cleveland State University and the University of Toledo, and each year for more than a decade, he traveled to Brazil to teach for several weeks at a time. In his seventies, his alma mater, Case Western Reserve University, invited him to teach graduate students, a role he embraced until the age of 80. He was, above all, a lifelong teacher and a lifelong learner.

Alan's professional accomplishments were matched by a deep and enduring commitment to humanitarian causes. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he fought courageously for Jews imprisoned in the Soviet Union for practicing their religion, serving as President of the Cleveland Council on Soviet Antisemitism. His dedication to the Jewish community continued throughout his life, as he served as President of B'nai B'rith and remained active at Bethaynu and later B'nai Jeshurun.

Alan cared deeply about humanity and advocated fiercely for those who could not advocate for themselves. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a brilliant chemist, a dedicated teacher, and a passionate defender of justice and human dignity.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Road in Solon.

To view this service, please visit bkbmc.com, click on the Alan T. Riga obituary, scroll down to the services section and click on “Join Livestream." 

Shiva will follow interment at the family residence from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. on Aug. 26 and 27, and from 2 until 4 p.m. on Aug. 28. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve (aka Reserve Care), B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, or NAMI – Cleveland Chapter.

May his memory serve as a blessing for all!