WW II vet celebrates 100th birthday

An Alsace Township man who fought in the British Royal Navy during World War II turned 100 recently and had his birthday and his military service celebrated by a group from his church.

Bill Rigby watched from his porch Saturday as a caravan of about 30 vehicles from Zion Spies Lutheran Church in Alsace Township and the American Legion Post of Boyertown drove by in tribute.

A number of family members were also on hand, including his wife, Grace Rigby. They’ve been married 73 years and have been members of the church since they moved to Alsace Township in the 1950s.

Bill grew up in Bibury, England, and served in Southeast Asia during the war.

After moving to Berks he worked as a machinist for 30 years and was an avid painter.

His friends and family spoke of how sharp he still is, and how he regularly sends emails and has his own Facebook page.

WWII veteran Bill Rigby of Alsace Township recently celebrated his 100th birthday.