Arthur Rogers Machado, a well-known personality in Fall River, died July 2, 2013 after a long illness. Known as ‘Rigger’ to the vast majority of people who knew him, he was a lifelong resident of Fall River. He was the son of Arthur and Aldina Machado and is survived by his sister Joan, his brothers, David and Douglas, his daughter Kerry as well as several nieces and nephews. Arthur graduated from Durfee High School and has been active in the north end of Fall River his whole life.
Rigger was a ‘people’s guy, loving to interact with people from all walks of life. In fact, one could say he was born to meet and greet people. He spent many years working at the family business, the Rogers’ Funeral Home where he was in his element, interacting with the activity of the north end. Additionally, he worked at the Bristol County Court House, making friends in every department. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rigger served as the County Commissioner for many years, expanding his social network throughout Bristol County. In his 77 years, Rigger never forgot a name or a face. He often remembered people by their phone number! He was a member of the Corky Row Club as well as the Elks of Fall River, increasing his network of friends and supporters. He was always willing eager to help out whenever his friends were in need.
However, throughout his long life, Rigger’s greatest joy came from his love of sports. As a young adult he played softball for many years, eventually being elected to the Scholarship Hall of Fame.
As a fan, baseball, football and basketball were his passion. Unlike so many locals, Rigger was not a Boston sports fan. Instead, his loyalties expanded to New York, where he traveled often to enthusiastically support the NY Knicks and the St. John’s Redmen. The St. John’s coach, Lou Carnesecca, loved Rigger so much he invited Rigger to sit on the team bench. Although originally a Red Sox fan, when Johnny Pesky was traded to the Detroit Tigers, so was Rigger. He traveled to Detroit many times to see his beloved Tigers, solidifying his loyalty with a commemorative brick at the park. He continued to follow Detroit with passion until the evening before he died, daily listening to the Tigers on his XM radio.
Fittingly, since Rigger was active at St. Joseph’s Church his entire life, his burial service will be there on Saturday, July 6th, at 10:00 AM.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. 1521 N. Main St., Fall River SATURDAY with extended calling hours from 7:30-9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.