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Dion Riley Obituary
March 28, 1947 - October 10, 2010
After a battle with brain cancer Dion passed away Sunday evening under the care of Hospice and in the arms of his wife, Brenda. A 40 year career culminating in his being the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice-President of Republic Indemnity Company of America was rewarded by working with wonderful people. Dion and Brenda had the joy of sharing life with their son Michael and daughter Meghan.
Coming from large families, Brenda and Dion have many siblings and Dion also is survived by his mother, Estella.
Their will be a rosary at 5:30pm on Friday, October 15 at St. John Eudes Catholic Church, 9901 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, 91311 and a Memorial service at 9 am on October 16 at First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills-10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge Ca 91326.
The family asks in lieu of Flowers to consider donating to a Memorial Fund in Dion's name set up at First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills noted above.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dion Riley
Bobby Griffin
November 23, 2022
Dion and I were best friends for many years when lived in Dallas. We were always together. We were drinking buddies and played golf. I remember one time several of us friends went to a lake cabin owned by one of our friends for a weekend get away. While there we all went to a night club. I told the Mgr. we had a celebrity in the tour bus and we would like to have a few tables in a section of the club. He asked who it was and I said you'll know when you see him. Well he thought Dion was Bert Reynolds. I asked the Mgr not to tell anyone who was there. He said he would take care of it. There was I think 7 of us and we had a ball pulling this off. We were careful not to accept and free drinks.
That is a memory I will cherish forever.
Unfortunately I did not know of Dions passing for several mos. Brenda called me to let me know and she did no know my number.
When Brenda told me...I balled like a baby. Dion was a very special friend.
I will remember our good times till he moved to Calif.
I visited him a couple times. The 2nd visit is when I met Brenda.
To this day...years later I till can't believe he's gone.
Bobby Griffin in Dallas
Jaxx Artz
December 29, 2010
Dion Riley was my uncle. After my father passed away, my uncle Dion was always there for me. He was my second father and loved me with all his heart. The pain of my uncles death still stings and I wish he was still here to speak to and hold. He helped me get through my fathers death and I will always love him for that. I miss and love you uncle Dion. I will never forget you. I love you times INFINITY AND ONE.
Anjanette - CA Dept. of Insurance
November 4, 2010
As a field examiner for the CA Dept. of Insurance, I had the opportunity to meet and work with Dion at Republic on a job 8 years ago. Due to the ever changing exam rotation, I never made it back to RIG. He was very friendly, always had a smile on his face and was so pleasant to work with. My condolences to the Riley Family and the RIG Family.
October 27, 2010
We am sorry to hear of the passing of Dion, many a good time was had growing up with the Riley clan and many great memories. Vicki and I send our sincere condolences.
Larry & Vicki Canoso
Jesse R Smith
October 26, 2010
To the Riley Family my sincere condolences, I grew up with Dionj & the boys at Meadowbrook with many fond menories as kids to young men.
Beep (Lone) Carlson
October 23, 2010
From one "Meadow Brook family" to another... the Bill Lone family sends our deepest sympathies to you all.
Joey Riley
October 22, 2010
Dion, Brenda, Michael, Meghan, Family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dion's Passing. My heart aches for you Brenda and for your Children. Dion was my Uncle to whom I did not know well, Except fond and distant memories from when I knew him as a young child. Divorce removed Dion from my life, However I remembered him fondly and thought of him often. I am Sorry Dad for the loss of your brother, And Grandma for the loss of your son. Brenda Michael and Meghan, My greatest and deepest condolences. I am sorry I could not be there. My deepest sympathies to Dion's brothers and extended family as well. I will keep you all In my prayers forever. You will be missed Dion, Farewell....
Gregory Smith McDonough
October 22, 2010
Dion,
Many Memories at Meadow Brrok Golf Course in the early days. May the Lord bless your family. I am sure that all of Jessie Smith's family, sends wishes to your family as well.
Nancy Tessman
October 22, 2010
I extend the condolences of the Hernon family in Salt Lake City. My sisters and I have very fond memories of the Riley boys, and know how much Dion will be missed. Nancy Tessman
October 17, 2010
Dear Brenda, Michael & Meghan,
We know at a time like this it
is little comfort to hear how sad
we are to hear about Dion. Hopefully,
having the love of your wonderful family and friends will help you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dee and Andy Sabey
Lailah Suico Nicoll
October 15, 2010
It has been some time since I have worked for Dion. He was the very respectable CFO who was also very approachable. I remember one year when I worked for the Northridge Mall operating a train ride for the Christmas Holiday. Dion brought his young son to ride the train. I saw a very sweet side to him as I watched him call out to his son each time the train made its way around the track. I saw how much he loved his family.
I am truly very sad to hear of Dion's passing, and I send my condolensces to his family.
Lailah Suico Nicoll
Lailah Suico Nicoll
October 15, 2010
It has been some time since I have worked for Dion. He was the very respectable CFO who was also very approachable. I remember one year when I worked for the Northridge Mall operating a train ride for the Christmas Holiday. Dion brought his young son to ride the train. I saw a very sweet side to him as I watched him call out to his son each time the train made its way around the track. I saw how much he loved his family.
I am truly very sad to hear of Dion's passing and I send my condolensces to his family and friends. I am sure he is very missed.
Lailah Suico Nicoll
Lisa Guth-Sheldon
October 15, 2010
Brenda, Michael and Meghan and Extended Families,
I am so sorry to learn of your great loss. I know that deep loss, so oddly, coexists with the sweetness of many years of rich memories. I hope that you, and other loved-ones are comforted by the gifts of love and life Dion generously gave over many years and by the support of your friends and family who care for you now. God bless you. With love and sympathy,
Lisa Guth-Sheldon
Elizabeth Gil
October 15, 2010
To the Riley family my sincere condolences, I had the pleasure of knowing Dion from Republic Indemnity he was a very nice person
I'm sure he is resting in the Lord now. May the God be with you all
in this difficult times. (E. Gil)
Ferdinand Manansala
October 15, 2010
There will be many to express the saddness being felt today for Dion and the loss from our presence of such a wonder person. We each have shared our moments with him throughout the years and we will remember the caring man who treated us will dignity. We will miss Dion very much and I am very grateful to have known and work with him at Republic. May the Lord embrace Dion in Heaven and reward a very good man for his good life on earth. The Lord's Peace be with Dion now and may Dion's family find comfort through the expressions of love being shared.
Donna Foyt
October 15, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the Riley family. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
Dayna Siliznoff
October 15, 2010
I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to the Riley family. I hope you gain strength and comfort from each other, your fond memories of Dion, and in knowing how well-regarded he was by so many. I didn't know Dion very well, but we crossed paths in the coffee room fairly often since it was near my department of Home Office Underwriting and his office. We would just chit-chat about basic things, but he was always so down to earth and friendly. On a different note, I was always impressed with how he presented himself, ever so perfectly dressed and groomed!
Mike Heiser
October 15, 2010
"Dear Brenda, my heart goes out to you and your children during this difficult time. I am so fortunate to have reconnected with my best childhood friend this year, to laugh about old stories and to meet you and your daughter. It was very evident how much Dion loved his family and how much his family loved him. I will miss him very, very much."
Laurel Thurston
October 15, 2010
Dion was a great work colleague and a fine man with a wonderul sense of humor. Every one at Republic misses Dion and we are all deeply saddened for the Riley family.
Carol Melendres
October 15, 2010
My deepest condolences go out to the Riley family. I had the profound pleasure to work with him in accounting. He was a kind man, a caring boss and made working for him a pleasure. May God Bless you and your family. Rest now.
October 15, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Riley family. Dion was a wonderful person who we all respected and admired. May your faith in God help you all go through this very difficult times
Rocío Kehyeyan( Encino,CA. Republic Indemnity Claims Specialist )
God bless you Dion. Rest in Heaven
Carole Stafford
October 14, 2010
Fabby Tudic
October 14, 2010
My deepest condolences for the Riley family and all by co-workers. I was fortunante enough to work under him in accounting. My memories of him are fond. He was a caring boss and made working for him a pleasure.
Fabby Tudic - Houston, TX
Claudia Mena
October 14, 2010
My deepest condodlences to the Riley Family, specialy to his wife Brenda & kids Michael & Meghan; may you find peace and strenght in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ since Dion is already at home. God Bless you
Laura Moss
October 14, 2010
Dear Brenda,
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Riley family. Dion was a wonderful man with many special qualities, but I especially enjoyed his great sense of humor, which sometimes had a way of sneaking up on you! He will truly be missed by his friends and co-workers at Republic. It just isn't the same around here without him, but he will forever be in our memories.
Ken Austin
October 14, 2010
Brenda, I offer my sincere and deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. In the short time I had the opportunity to work with Dion he was always a beacon of professionalism yet always made people around him feel comfortable and at ease at all times. His humor and gracious manner made it so much fun to spend time with him. He will be missed greatly by me and my team. My prayers will be with you and your family. Ken Austin
October 14, 2010
My heart felt sympathies to the Riley family as they move through this period. Dion was a sincerely nice person with an unexpected sense of humor - I'll always remember a passing comment from him regarding being ready on the sidelines with his pom poms to help cheer! Many blessings, Judy Lewsadder (Encino)
Raymond Trinidad
October 14, 2010
Hello Brenda,
My condolences to you , Michael and Meghan. I would not pretend to know the heartache and loss that you feel right now. Dion was a great guy and I'm sure he was a wonderful husband and caring father.
I pray that you and your children be given the strength to endure during this difficult time.
If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to call on me.
Raymond
(818) 395-6295
Lourdes Adriano
October 14, 2010
Republic's Clerical Department expresses our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family in this time of sorrow. He will be deeply missed and his memories will always remain in our hearts.
October 14, 2010
My prayers & thoughts are with the entire Riley family, particularly his wife & children. As difficult as this time is, know that your husband & father is now resting in a peaceful place without suffering. Despite Dion's executive level position with the company, Dion was such a respectful & kind person to everyone that came in touch with him regardless of ones place with the company. This is an observation that was easily made from working 19 years with the company myself. Richard Torres, Claims Dept Encino, Ca.
Will Morrill
October 14, 2010
"My condolences to the Riley family. Dion will always be such a genuine & wonderful person. When ever you spoke with him, you always felt respect & appreciation. Truly a great person, and we were blessed to know him & work with him"
Dave Harkins
October 14, 2010
As a co-member of Republic's management team, I had many occasions to share time and thoughts with Dion, and remember well his equanimity and courtesy, even when opinions did not concur. His wry sense of humor, business acumen, and well-balanced outlook can never be replaced here. We miss him incredibly.
Milton Bustos
October 14, 2010
To the Riley family our deepest condolences from the Bustos Family. Walking the hallways here at Republic he would always greed you by your name. Personally it made me feel good knowing that our company officer knows who I am, but I guess that's just who he was. I will miss that.
One of my memories of him: Being a fairly new employee here at RICA we had one of our company picnics at Magic Mt. After one of the picnic games, the host of the party called on the winner of the game to pick any upper-management personnel to go to the soda stand and serve him a drink. Well, the person who won (won't say who), chose Dion. I remember him hustling down to get him a drink. He was a good sport about it. I'll never forget that.....just wanted to share that and I know someone else will remember that too.
Dion, we will miss you!
October 14, 2010
Dion.. You will sincerely be missed.. The lights have now dimmed at Republic Indemnity.. Joanna Villareal (West Covina, CA)
Zoe Erkelens
October 14, 2010
God Bless you all
Department Lunch Christmas 2006
Gurli Fernandez
October 14, 2010
Republic's Premium Accounting Dept. offer their condolences to the Riley Family. We grieve this great loss with you. Working under Dion's leadership was an honor. He was a genuine, fair, ethical and sincere individual. We miss you Dion. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Michelle Sweat
October 14, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mickaela Erath
October 14, 2010
I am so sorry Mrs Riley for you and your family. I run the Special InvestigationsUnit here at Republic and have for 18 years and although I did not know your husband well, he always seemed to be such an elegant and considerate man. He will be missed deeply here. I lost my husband in 1989 and know the hurt of holding him in my arms until he just let go. I truly beleive he is in a far, far better place and trust my twin sister and my husband to help welcome him. My prayers are with you...Mickaela Erath
Jim Hurley
October 14, 2010
You will be missed. Amongst all the other things, i cherish those long discussions about Crespi & Chaminade high school football.
Kevin Riley
October 14, 2010
I have learned in the past few weeks to express gratitude to people for what they have done for me. Brenda thank you for taking care of and loving Dion. You and Micheal and Meghan are always going to be part of my life and always in my prayers.
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