Daniel Lee Riling

Daniel Riling Obituary

RILING, DANIEL LEE

Daniel Lee Riling AD3 (AW) November 2, 1963 - June 9, 2009 Resident of Florida and stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA. After a courageous 3 year battle with cancer, Danny passed away peacefully, with his mother by his side, at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. Danny was born in Braddock, PA and raised in North Lauderdale, FL. He was a graduate of Coconut Creek High School, class of 1982.

Danny was a Petty Officer Third Class, in the United States Navy where he served 13 years and 9 months. His tours of duty included Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Guam, China, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Malta, and Spain. He also served in the Arabian Gulf on the USS John F. Kennedy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His awards included Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense (Second Award), Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, Battle "E" (Third Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct (Third Award), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Third Award).

He was the eldest of four children born to LeRoy Albert Riling Jr. and Dianne (Jerry) Healey. Danny will forever be remembered by his loving sisters Michelle Ann Riling, Dianne Renee (Rick) McKenzie and Denise Marie Riling, beloved children Melinda Sue (Andy) Franks and Sarah Elizabeth Riling, treasured grandchildren Melody Ambriana Bell and Jeremiah Lennon Franks, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

Danny loved playing his guitars, walking the mountain trails and ocean beaches with his dog, "Bear", laughing, being with his family, and having fun with friends. He touched the lives of many people and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, June 20th, 2009, at 3pm at the Gainesville Church of God, 7003 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations to be sent to The Fort Lewis Fisher House. They provided prayers, support, housing and meals for Danny and all his visiting family during this very difficult time. Fort Lewis Fisher House, 9999 Wilson Avenue, Fort Lewis, WA 98433 (253) 964-9283.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Riling

10 Entries

Juan Iglesias

January 10, 2025

He was my supervisor the first time I arrived to the squadron. And I was able to provide for him the needed CPR when he was having a heart attack . Hurt me when I found out he passed away.

November 2, 2009

Happy Birthday, Danny!!! I love you and miss you everyday!!!

William Dodds

September 25, 2009

I was very sad to hear of Danny's passing, I worked with him in VAQ-132. He taught me a lot about being humble and being a man. I was one of the first friends he had when he transferred to Whidbey Island and I am proud to say I knew him. I wish that when I came back to Washington that I would of made the trip to Whidbey to see him like I planned but time and money just wasn't there. I would be honored to talk to any of the family if they would like to contact me. I will keep all of you in my prayers. [email protected] is my email address if you would like to contact me.

Thomas Mayhew

June 22, 2009

To all of Danny's family, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for sharing your son/brother/dad with me. It was awesome to work with him and to be called his friend. I will miss him dearly, and look forward to seeing him in the future.....

Mildred Dessify

June 19, 2009

To my neices and sister-in-law: I am sorry I couldn't be there during Danny's final days, but my thoughts, my heart and my prayers were there with you all, even if I couldn't be there physically. I love you all, and hope to see you soon.
"Bear" is doing fine here in Dushore and he is great company and a blessing and a comfort to me.
Remember all the good times you had with Danny, not the bad. The bad memories will stick out strongest for a while, but the good ones will eventually take over. Keep strong and support each other.
Love to you all.
(Aunt) Millie

howard podolsky

June 17, 2009

my name is howard podolsky,sorry for your loss,i was born in braddock too,moved to G'ville in 1980,did not know him but still sad for your loss

June 17, 2009

for my sister and my neices, you know where my pain is, right there with you. i love you and see you soon. danny i love you also.
love your uncle les

Gerard Brady

June 17, 2009

To the Riling Family,

I was very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and keep you safe, especially during this time of sorrow. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Daniel, although we never met in the Navy, may I provide a Navy wish - "Fair Winds and Following Seas".

G. P. Brady
Chief Yeoman (Surface/Air Warfare)
United States Navy (Retired)

and CCHS Class of 1982

Kathy Quigley-Thorpe

June 17, 2009

Dianne & Denise
I am so sorry to hear about Danny. I have been in your shoes as my brother Danny died many years ago. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Michelle Winders

June 17, 2009

To Denise and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It is very difficult to lose someone close to you, and there are no words to describe the pain you are feeling. You can always call me if you ever need me and I will do anything for you Denise. I love you, stay strong and don't be afraid to laugh about the good times!

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