John J. Riley Jr., passed away on December 11th, 2016 at the age of 88 years old at his home of 55 years in Valley Cottage, NY. He worked at Litton Industries in Bronx, NY before working with William F. Loftus Associates until his retirement. He was a lifetime volunteer at the Valley Cottage Fire Engine Company #1. He was also an avid softball player, golfer and bowler.
He was born in the Bronx to John J. and Loretta (Ryan) Riley. He was a graduate of Mt. St. Michael’s, Bronx, NY and was recruited by the New York Yankees in 1958. He was married to the love of his life, Barbara (Bard) after a whirlwind romance and an engagement announcement on the sports pages. Surviving John are his five children: Carol Riley of West Haverstraw, NY, Nancy Edlund (Dwight) of Stony Point, NY, James Riley (Marguerite) of Congers, NY, Susan Booth (Ray) of Tappan, NY and Joan Will of Stony Point, NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren which were his shining stars. The grandchildren spent countless hours with their grandfather: Dwight Jr. (Kristen) Edlund, Jennifer Edlund (Ryan Baum), Michael (Aarika) Will, Thomas Will, Andrew Will, Danielle Riley (Chris Dillon), Lauren Riley, Robert Booth and Christine (Michael) Reynolds. He was blessed to have three great grandchildren: Michael Will III, Michael Reynolds and Riley Reynolds.
He was a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Congers, New York.
Watching his grandchildren grow up and become young men and women gave him great joy. To complete his journey and to return to his one true love he passed away on the 14th anniversary of his wife's death. We now have two angels looking down on the family.
Visiting will be held on Wednesday (today) from 2 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM at the Hannemann Funeral Home, Inc. in Nyack. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Paul’s RC Church in Congers. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Rockland Lake, NY.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation made in John's name to United Hospice of Rockland, Inc. who were tremendously helpful during John's last days.