Steven Thomas Riggs

Steven Thomas Riggs, 67, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully after a courageous two-year battle with cancer on 4/12/26, at home, surrounded by family. He stopped breathing at 11:52 PM on 4/11/2026, but was pronounced by the nurse at 2:24 AM on 4/12/2026.

Born on July 9th in Sacramento, CA, Steve was the beloved son of Patricia and Jack Riggs (both deceased) and brother to Mike, Krissy, Robin (deceased), Kenny, and Dave. He grew up in Chula Vista and went to Hilltop High School. He remained in San Diego, close to the ocean, though the rest of his family left for other parts of the country. He often said his love of deep-sea fishing and the ocean kept him in San Diego. Steve worked for Solar Turbines in San Diego for 38 years, where he made and kept many special lifelong friendships. He was devoted to the Caterpillar brand and would say, “If it’s good for Caterpillar, then it’s good for me.” Steve’s investment portfolio was 100% invested in “CAT” stock. Steve followed all the CAT Drivers of NASCAR and loved CAT in every way.

Steve’s greatest passions were sky diving and deep-sea fishing. Steve’s first sky dive was with his sister, where they jumped out over Otay Lakes. They both warmed up for their first sky dive by doing a bungee jump the night before. Steve completed almost 700 sky dives before quitting after two instructors collided, where one lost his leg, and the other died. His other love was deep-sea fishing, and he had a special gift to “feel” when fish were biting his line. He would yell, “fish on” or “I’m on” many times over before any of the other anglers had even hooked one fish. He was often the jackpot winner on many of his deep-sea excursions -- he had the touch! Steve also enjoyed playing golf and was inspired by his long-time friend and mentor Gordon Brown (deceased). Mr. Brown ran a golf clinic for underprivileged children and was very skilled at teaching Steve how to swing a golf club correctly.

Whatever Steve got interested in, he would go “all in.” Some examples are: the complete remodeling of his condo, the complete remodeling of Pop’s house, and a nut and bolt restoration of the 1966 Mustang, and finally “Grinch-a-fying” himself and his house for Christmas..

Steve loved watching all sports and had two TVs going at all times. He was a supporter of the San Diego Soccers, Chargers, and Padres and went to many games with his friends and family.

He was a confirmed bachelor until the moment he set eyes on his only love and wife, whom he nicknamed “G” (many were nicknamed by Steve). He was smitten and often said he was so grateful to have her in his life and wished his brother Robin had the opportunity to find a good woman before he passed. He couldn’t praise her enough as she helped him through his last days.

He was known as a giver and just wanted to enjoy the great parts of life, which helped others focus on the great parts. This is likely why so many gravitated to him. He was generous beyond belief and always shared the food that he made with neighbors and friends. When he was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the steroids that they gave him kept him up for three days straight. This is how he became a baker of bread - he needed something to do! He baked and gave away bread to everyone he could find, including neighbors, doctors, nurses, and of course, friends and family. For the past two years, he and his sister Krissy fought cancer together and spoke daily, bonding deeply through their fight as they became each other’s rocks.

He is survived by his wife “G,” siblings: Mike, Krissy, Ken, and Dave; nephew “Tykers” Ben, Kevin, Jason, Jacob, and Caleb; nieces “Sarah Rachel”, Kiara, and Kylie, plus all of the extended family of those above; and finally, many close friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by his brother Robin and parents Patricia and Jack.

You may know him as one, or all of the following names: Steve, “Steve-o,” “Riggsy, “ “Hammer,” or “Bisco.” - you know he loved nicknames! He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. His spirit will live on as we share our stories with love and laughter going forward!