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Steven Dino Righi

July 20, 1956 - April 17, 2023

We celebrate the life of Steven Dino Righi, 66, who passed away on April 17, 2023. He was born on July 20, 1956, in Des Moines, IA, to his parents, Dino and Anne (Vignaroli) Righi, the youngest of 3 children. Steven was a devoted family man and lived his life with love, faith, and kindness.

Steven was a beloved husband to Delinda (Vanni) Righi, the love of his life with whom he recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have been blessed with two daughters, Gina and Crista, who brought them occasional headaches but far more love and joy. He was a cherished grandfather/nonno to Madalyn, who brought him so much happiness. He also was soon to finally welcome a fellow man to the family, his son-in-law Daniel Schafer.

Steven enjoyed the simple joys in life and was always more than willing to generously share with those around him. Whether it was tending to his vegetable garden at home or fishing out on the water or ice with friends, Steven found great fulfillment in the outdoors and shared the results of his labor with those he loved.

Known for his card-playing prowess, Steven could often be found playing a rowdy game of “Pitch”. If you ever were able to beat him in a game, you knew you finally were a card expert, or just extremely lucky. While he might lose with a smile, he made sure he didn’t lose twice in a row. When he wanted a less competitive game, he’d often go to Prairie Meadows with his sister Terri to play the slots.

Steven was a 50-year member of the Vittoria Lodge and a member of the Society of Italian Americans. He took great pride in his heritage and would often quote Italian sayings which he would quickly translate to lend helping advice to any situation.

One of Steven’s greatest gifts was his sense of humor. He had a way of telling the best jokes and making everyone around him smile. He would often ask, “What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?”, followed by the response of one will see you later and the other will see you after a while.

Steven was a man who was deeply loved by all who knew him. His kindness and warmth touched the hearts of many. Whether it’s after a while or a little later, we will see him again.

Steven is preceded in death by his parents, Dino and Anne (Vignaroli) Righi. Blessed by his life and left to mourn him are his wife, Delinda Righi; daughters, Gina and Crista (Daniel); granddaughter, Madalyn; sisters, DeAnne (Dr. Robert) Chambers and Teresa Righi-Ryner; his in-laws, Egidio and Rena Vanni; sisters-in-law, Jolene (Marty) Robbins and Angela (Anthony) Fontana; his nieces and nephews, Dr. Christopher (Dr. Yasmin) Chambers, Dr. Megan (Dr. Benjamin) Hartshorn, Spencer Robbins, Grant Robbins, Michael Righi Ryner, Andrew Fontana, Alexandra Fontana, and Amelia Fontana. Also surviving is his uncle, Angelo (Barbara) Vignaroli; as well as other family members.

The family will welcome visitors from 5 – 7 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2023, with a rosary following at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart (OLIH) Catholic Church in Ankeny, IA. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, April 21, 2023, at OLIH. Mass will be livestreamed at www.OLIH.org Click on mass-livestream, funerals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to OLIH or to the family towards a memorial bench in honor of Steven.

Rest in peace, Steven. You will be deeply missed by all those who had the honor of knowing you.

Ti vogliamo tanto bene, Steven. Rivedremo in Paradiso.