Birth date: Mar 8, 1933 Death date: Feb 20, 2026
H. Edwin "Ed" Riggin, Sr., of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Ed leaves his family and friends with amazing memories. He will be fondly remembered for his stories, his arsenal Read Obituary
Ed was a great boss and an even better man. I was just 18, living down in Dewey, when I first started working for him. He understood what truly mattered in life, and he lived by those values every day.
He worked hard, showed patience, and set an example for a kid who was still finding his way. His influence stayed with me long after those early years. He will be deeply missed.
Ed was truly a good person. A huge influence on so many people. I learned a lot from him.
God bless him…& the patience he tried to have with his employees….sheeesh! Some days I thought we were going to give him a conniption! Ed expected a lot but also gave more.
The world needs more like him!
To say Ed was an iconic legend in Dewey Beach (and beyond) is an understatement. His Chicken & Crab restaurant not only provided great food ... but it served as gathering place for generating memories that will live forever …all thanks to one amazing gentleman! Ed was my best friend and a role-model mentor to me. His impact on my entire family is immeasurable. Ed, Sarah, and Maria (my wife) had so much fun traveling around the U.S. to see football games (Boston College, Lincoln Financial Field - Eagles, Univ. of Virginia, Univ. of North Carolina, Univ. of Nebraska, L.A. Coliseum, Texas Stadium, Lambeau Field, Folsom Field, Beaver Stadium, The Alamo Dome, and Notre Dame Stadium). His wit, charm, kindness, and optimism will be painfully missed. He positively touched so many …. I was blessed to be one of them.
On behalf of several family and friends (many also deceased) who shared fun times at Ed's over decades of yearly vacations here, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I had the opportunity to thank Ed in person at the tribute held at the Starboard years after the fire. He was an institution, and I never drive by the site without remembering him and the memories I cherish. Rest in peace, Ed.
I'm sorry for your loss. Harry was a Dewey icon. I have many great memories of eating crabs and chicken at his one of a kind "Shack." After a season in the Lewes spot, I asked him what he planned to do with his palm trees. He asked me why? I politely asked him if he was going to let them freeze, could I dig one up and keep it. He thought a minute and told me if I could overwinter the six that he had in Dewey Beach, I could have one. A coworker and I, from Lewes Middle School, loaded them on a truck and transported them to the school. We babysat them all winter in the elementary wing's lobby. The kids thought that they were in a tropical paradise. In late spring we took them back to Ed. I got my Christmas Palm tree and have it to this day. It resides in a planter box in the narthex of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth. Many awesome memories of Ed. Blessings
Ed was great. Always a funny story and great smile. Offered to take us camping all the time but never got a chance to go.
