Ross M. Riley

1969 - 2013

ALLEGANY - Trooper Ross M. Riley, of Allegany. passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (Nov. 20, 2013) from injuries sustained during a fall while participating in training drills at Letchworth State Park.

Born March 27, 1969, in Auburn, he was the son of Robert F. and Shirley R. Rossiter Riley. On Oct. 20, 2001, he married Heidi Dungey, who survives.

Trooper Riley was a graduate of Auburn High School and later graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor's degree and paramedic certification.

He served as a U.S. Marine from 1987 until he was honorably discharged in 1992. During his military service he was awarded numerous commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the National Defense Medal. Ross began his service as a trumpet player in the Marine Corps Band and continued as a Marine Security Guard serving at the U.S. embassies in Nicaragua and Uraguay.

He was a 17-year veteran of the New York State Police and became a member of SORT, then named Mobile Response Team, in March 2000. He was a team EMT, paramedic, a .308 rifleman and senior firearms instructor.

Trooper Riley was a member of the Tactical Medic Association and Bugles Across America. He was an active member at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Salamanca where he was a vestry member, lay reader, chalice bearer and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed mountain climbing, family camping trips, working out, riding mountain bikes and reading. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Abaigeal, Katherine and Jillian; his parents from Auburn; a sister, Heather Beck of Webster; two nephews; and all his family and friends with the New York State Police.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 26, 2013) at the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. The Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, will officiate. Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ross M. Riley Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 187 Allegany, NY 14706; or to the Allegany Volunteer Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 95, Allegany NY 14706.