Brian Riffee 1966-2024
MINERAL RIDGE — Brian “Scott” Riffee, 58, died peacefully early Friday morning, Dec. 20, 2024, surrounded by his family at his residence, after a short, but fierce, cancer battle.
Scott, as he was affectionately known, was born May 21,1966, in Fairmont, W.Va., a son of Donald and Marylin Franks Riffee.
His family moved to Lake Milton, where Scott spent his childhood. He was a 1985 graduate of Jackson Milton High School and worked as a millwright for Vallourec Star Steel in Youngstown. Scott married his high school sweetheart, the former Mary E. Wood, on Sept. 19, 1987; they shared 37 years of marriage and many happy memories together.
Scott’s proudest moments centered around their daughter, Abby. He was her biggest fan in all she did.
Scott was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Browns, Buckeyes and Mountaineers. He was also an accomplished athlete, earning awards and honors in football, basketball and track. Scott enjoyed playing darts, corn hole and pool, and loved music, fishing, four-wheeling and walks with his beloved dog, Sophie.
Scott was a double lung transplant recipient on Memorial Day 2023. His extraordinary recovery was a testament to his strength and determination.
In addition to his wife, Scott is survived by his daughter, Abby (Sean) Riffee-Neri of Columbus; a brother, Donny (Terri) Riffee of West Virginia; and a sister, Kim (the late Gilbert) Blazek of North Jackson. He also leaves behind two half-siblings, Ronnie (Wendy) Hayhurst and Debbie (Don) Friend, both of West Virginia; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mike (Holly) Wood of Columbus, Doreen (Bill) Ludwig of North Jackson, Greg (Lisa) Wood of Austintown and Evelyn Burnside of Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, and in-laws, Roy and Rachel Wood.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, with calling hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University Hospitals Cleveland (Lung) Transplant Institute, in Scott’s memory. Additional information may be obtained from the funeral home.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
(special notice)