Remembering Melissa Riggio
April 9th, 2008Many readers from across the country have been deeply touched by the sad news of Melissa Riggio’s death, and have been asking how they might express their condolences as well as their appreciation for the Riggio family’s contributions to the disability community. After Melissa was born, her father, Barnes & Noble CEO Steve Riggio, pioneered the creation of a “Children with Special Needs Collection” in 1991. This was long before other major booksellers had recognized that families were in great need of such information and support.
Some people have suggested presenting their local Barnes & Noble stores with flowers, cards and tributes to Melissa. I passed this idea along to Barnes & Noble, which said the family very much appreciates everyone’s warm wishes and concern at this difficult time, but asked that people instead send their expressions of condolence to Steve Riggio directly at his office:
Stephen Riggio, CEO
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
122 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
The family has also asked that any donations be made to The Valerie Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown Memorial Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1956, Morristown, New Jersey 07962, or online at http://thevaleriefund.org/morristown.asp. When making a donation, please indicate that it is in memory of Melissa Riggio.
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October 15th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I’m the grandmother of Charlotte who is 6 years old, and a child with Down Syndrome. Charlotte is so precious to me and I only discovered Melissa’s words on the web site this morning. It was only later in the day, when I went back on site to read the words of her song, did I realise she had died. I am so very, very sorry. Her words were an inspiration to me; I even thought, when I saw her picture, that Charlotte looks a little like her and I felt uplifted by Melissa’s views of life – I thought maybe things wouldn’t be too bad for my Charlotte after all.
Thank you, Melissa, for helping me this morning.
God bless you – and your family
Sheila Beckett
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am
I am a parent with a child who has Down syndrome. I have purchased several books from Barnes and Noble on this topic. Thanks for all your efforts for special needs materials. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Dear Laura:
Francesca and I heard about Melissa’s death, and my heartfelt condolences go to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. I read about all her accomplishments. She was a very special girl. We remember her as a little girl, what a lovable and adorable child she was.
Our thoughts are with you, Laura, Christina and your husband.
Marianne and Francesca LoDuca
April 11th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I was saddened to hear of Melissa’s death. Her birth and her family’s experience at that time brought about the creation of the Special Needs section at all B&N stores which was a gift to all families- including mine and the families of all the siblings I have known over my professional life. Her parents went on to become dedicated advocates, and obviously Melissa herself blossomed and lived a life that was full and contributed to all her knew her- and many who, like me, never had the good fortune to meet her. My thoughts go out to all the Riggio family. As someone else who experienced the sudden loss of a sibling with disabilities, I well know the hole it can leave in a family’s fabric. Time will heal, and the memories will glow on. Be well.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I am very grateful for a chance to have known of Melissa. She is an inspiration as I raise my little girl Nadia, who has Down Syndrome. We will keep Melissa’s memory alive, and she will continue to influence and inspire us. We are grateful to God that he sent her and her love!