Leroy Edward Riordan

LeRoy (Lee) Edward Riordan
January 4, 1927 ~ July 2, 2011

CARMEL - Lee Riordan died July 2, 2011 in Monterey with his loving family at his side. The long-time resident of Carmel Valley was 84 years old. He was born to Andrew and Clara Riordan on January 4, 1927 in McKittrick, CA. A member of a pioneer family who came to Watsonville in 1850, he was a third generation Californian.
Lee attended Watsonville High School, where he met his future bride, Katharine Fowle. He graduated in 1945, and left to serve his country in the Pacific Theatre until the conclusion of WWII. When he returned home, Lee pursued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Political Science and Public Administration.
On August 26, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Katharine, in Watsonville, CA. Lee and Kathie were happily married for nearly 60 years.
Lee was dedicated to his profession of Municipal Administration, and went on to earn a reputation as a top-flight City Manager not only locally but throughout the United States. Lee was a member of the International City Management Association, and also associated with the League of California Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors. He spent the majority of his career in the City of San Leandro, and completed his service with the City of Monterey. After completing nearly four decades of exceptional public service, Lee retired in 1991.
Following his retirement, Lee continued to remain active in his community. He was a long-time member of Rotary International, a volunteer with numerous city and county organizations, as well as a dedicated member of his church where he was a lector.
Lee was a dedicated fitness enthusiast, and was physically active throughout his life. He loved spending time in the Sierra Mountains hiking and fishing. He also immersed himself in oil and watercolor painting, international travel, studying French, and genealogy. Lee was a gentle man, not drawing attention to himself regarding his accomplishments. He continually reached out to others, encouraging them and mentoring. The time he spent with family and friends, in good conversation and laughter, was one of his greatest pleasures. He will be greatly missed!
Surviving are his wife, Katharine; daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Tim; son, Daniel and his wife, Leah; and four loving grandchildren, Logan, Ashleigh, Clara and Kyle. Son Michael pre-deceased Lee in 1985.
A graveside service was held on July 6, 2011 in Monterey. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 10:00am at the Carmel Mission Basilica. A Reception will follow.
Memorial donations may be made to: The Rotary Foundation of the Rotary Club of Monterey Scholarship, P.O. Box 669, Monterey, CA 93942; Pajaro Valley Historical Association, P.O. Box 623, Watsonville, CA 95077; or Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belford Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256.