SOUTHINGTON - Richard L. "Jiggy" Egidio, 78, of Southington, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Patricia (Rungi) Egidio for 54 years.He was born on Oct. 9, 1938, in Southington, the son of the late Domenic and Mary (Fiorillo) Egidio. Jiggy served with the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Va. He started his work career at the age of 18 as a laborer for the Town of Southington, and then was a heavy equipment operator for several local contractors. He then was the superintendent for the Parks Department for the town of Southington for 23 years. Jiggy was an avid gardener, and loved working outside at their home, and the last two years by the beach on Linden Lane in Madison. What he loved most was spending time with his family and cheering on all their sporting events and activities.In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Teri Gomez and husband, Lawrence, of Prospect, Tina Barlow and husband, Arthur, of Carson, Va., Mark Egidio and wife, Jennifer, of Madison, and Michael Egidio and wife, Maria, of Southington; eight grandchildren, Michael and Heather LaPoint, Bryan Barlow, Dante, Julianna, Gabriella Egidio, Antonio, and Angelina Egidio; a brother, Donald Egidio, of Southington; a brother-in-law, Pat Rungi. He also leaves a son, Richard Egidio Jr., of California; and several nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Cancer Center of Central Connecticut, Dr. Byrne and Dr. Bodganski and the Franciscan Home and Hospice nurses, especially Sister Catherine, Sister Jilda, Agnes, and Mary Alice for their wonderful care and love during Jiggy's illness.The funeral will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, at 9:45 a.m. from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., to St. Thomas Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Donations may be made in Jiggy's memory to the Cancer Center of Central Connecticut, 55 Meriden Ave., Suite 1A, Southington, CT 06489 or The Franciscan Home and Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. For online donations and directions please visit www.dellavecchafh.com