Paul Rigali Obituary

Dr. Paul H. Rigali
Dr. Paul H. Rigali, a beloved orthodontist and devoted community member, passed away at his home in Barnard, Vermont on March 4, 2025. Born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, he was the eldest of three children. Dr. Rigali graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, with Honors in Biology, where he excelled in athletics, earning seven varsity letters and serving as captain of the lacrosse team.
After completing his D.D.S. with clinical honors at Loyola University in 1972, he pursued further training in Oral Medicine and Surgery. He completed his orthodontic training at Tufts University in 1975, opening his orthodontic practice a year later in Wallingford, CT. Dr. Rigali achieved diplomat status with the American Board of Orthodontics in 1985 and recertified in 2003, while also serving as an examiner beginning in 2010. His colleagues recognized his excellence, naming him "Best Orthodontist in New Haven County" in 1993 and recognizing him among the "Top Orthodontists in Connecticut" several times.
A dedicated professional, he assisted children with craniofacial anomalies and cared for those with orofacial pain, utilizing advanced technologies such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for accurate diagnoses. His contributions to orthodontics extended to teaching and mentorship at esteemed institutions, including Harvard and Boston University.
Beyond his career, Dr. Rigali enjoyed various sports, completing the Newport, RI Marathon and cycling through Tuscany. He and his wife, Sharon, loved their life in Vermont, where they fostered community connections and enjoyed welcoming and entertaining family and friends.
Dr. Rigali is remembered for his profound impact on his profession, his commitment to education and research, his immense love for his family and friends, and his warm, compassionate spirit. He leaves behind his legacy in his loving family, friends, colleagues all over the world, and countless patients who benefited from his care.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon Rigali of Barnard, VT; his eldest son, Garrett Rigali, and his wife, Vera and their three children, Arina, Xander and Aleksa of Prospect, CT. His daughter, Meghan Rigali and her husband, Matthew Schlein of New Haven, VT; his son, Zachary Rigali and his wife, Emily Radke of West Lebanon, NH; and his youngest son, Kyle Rigali and his wife, Collette of Lebanon, NH.
In lieu of gifts and flowers, contributions may be made on his behalf to the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, PO Box 784, Woodstock, VT 05091.
Please join us in a celebration of Paul's life at The Thompson Center, 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, VT on May 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com