Joseph Rigano, 80

Joseph Rigano of Montauk, who was known as Jay, died on Saturday at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. He was 80 and had been ill with cancer.

Mr. Rigano discovered Montauk while fishing with his uncles and later became a charter boat captain, operating the Lori-Jay from the Star Island Marina.

A longtime resident of Mamaroneck, N.Y., he was born not far away in Larchmont, on, one of seven children of Joseph Rigano and the former Norah Donovan. He was a star football player at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, but had to pass up the full scholarship he was offered at Michigan StaDec. 9, 1935te University to go to work in his father’s plumbing business after the senior Mr. Rigano died unexpectedly. Later on he started his own plumbing business, Rigano Plumbing and Heating, in Mamaroneck, and ran it successfully until 1991, when he sold it and moved full time to Montauk.

In 1957 Mr. Rigano married Lori Rodrigues, who survives. Their four children are Janine Rigano of Beachwood, Ohio; Denise Rigano of Norwalk, Conn.; Lori Dryer of Montauk and Chatham, N.J., and Linda Rigano-Steinberg of Scarsdale, N.Y. Two sons, Joseph and Andrew Rigano, predeceased him.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 24 nieces and nephews, and all six of his siblings: Hayward Rigano and Myan Sorensen of Colorado, Ellen McHugh of California, Meg Phillips of Florida, Bourne Rigano of New York City, and Noreen Whyte of Connecticut.

The family has suggested donations in his memory to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978, or to U.S.O. Warrior and Family Centers, Att. Donor Services, 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1200, Arlington, Va. 22201.

Correction: The Kanas Center for Hospice Care is located in Quiogue, not Westhampton Beach, though the East End Hospice office is in Westhampton Beach.