John H. Riffo
CHURCHVILLE – John Howard Riffo, 85, passed away Tuesday (August 5, 2025) in Augusta Health.
Born January 2, 1940 in Staunton, he was a son of the late William Edwin and Claris Ellen (VanFossen) Riffo. He attended R. E. Lee High School, and served in the U. S. Airforce from 1958 to 1962.
John was a lifelong auto mechanic and machinist who truly enjoyed his work. Over the course of his career, he was employed by several auto dealerships in Maryland and Virginia, as well as by Montgomery Ward, and Monro Muffler. He also owned and operated JR’s Auto Repair in Churchville for a number of years. A genuine “people person,” John was friendly and engaging, and always willing to be helpful.
He was a member of Glossbrenner United Methodist Church where he was a long-time Sunday school teacher and served the church through various other roles. A talented vocalist, John enjoyed participating in music ministry within the church and in other ministry settings. He also had enjoyed a lot of bowling and church-league softball in years past.
On August 15, 1959, he married the former Charlotte Ann Strickler; they enjoyed 65 years of marriage before Charlotte’s passing in March of this year. John was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Stogner; and two brothers, Donald Riffo and Bobby Riffo.
Surviving are two sons, Dwayne E. “Bud” Riffo (wife Dana) of Waynesboro, and Keith A. Riffo (wife Carrie) of Staunton; a brother, James E. Riffo (wife Barbara) of Churchville; brother-in-law Wayne Strickler of Churchville; and five grandchildren, Christopher Riffo, Sarah Fitzgerald (husband Daniel), Alia Riffo, Laura Riffo (fiance Caleb Pearson), and Ethan Riffo (wife Katie).
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 9 in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Lester Kennedy. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Christopher and Ethan Riffo, Daniel Fitzgerald, Caleb Pearson, Warren Harper and Brady Dotson.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or to Glossbrenner United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.bearfuneralhome.com.
