Gregory Riley Obituary

Gregory L. Riley TAMPA, Fla. - "Rusty," as he was known to family and friends, departed this life on earth to be with his heavenly Father Aug. 15, 2008, in Tampa, where he resided since the early 1980s. Born in Portsmouth, Nov. 3, 1958, to E.W. Riley Jr. and Minnie Lipscomb Riley, Rusty was predeceased by his father. Rusty graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, where he was a stand out in the marching band and continued his musical career as a musician (drummer) at Busch Gardens in Tampa. He also attended the Berkley College of Music in Boston. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth, and was a diehard Redskins fan. Rusty leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Minnie L. Riley of Mayfair House, Portsmouth; his brother, E.W. "Pat" Riley III and wife Mary of Ocean Sands, N.C., whom he shared his love for the beach and animals with his sister, whom he lovingly called "Usis," Dorothy R. "Mike" Taylor and husband Don of Chesapeake; beloved nieces and nephews, Michele Graupmann (Bob) and Todd Taylor, both of Chesapeake, Sean Taylor (Cris) and Scott Taylor (Dianna), both of Portsmouth. Also left to cherish his memory are his beloved great-nieces and -nephews, Mallory, Jay, Lauren, Collin, Corbin, Abbey, Ryan, Patrick, Kirsten, Shane and Mckenzie. Rusty will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered on the beach. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth. A reception will follow at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the courtyard or sanctuary fund at First Presbyterian Church, the SPCA or a charity of one's choice. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Aug. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Riley

14 Entries

Lynward Wingfield

September 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lisa Brumley-Hightower

August 31, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Riley family during this difficult time. Rusty was a much-loved friend and co-worker who never ceased to bring a smile to my face. I knew that thanks to Rusty's jovial antics, each and every show would be fun and spirited. Backstage was no different - a good friend and a kind person. He will be truly missed.

Robbi Lepre

August 31, 2008

My condolences to the family and friends of Rusty. Unfortunately, I had not seen Rusty since he left Busch Gardens but remember him in many ways.
Wishing peace to him and to all those who sadly mourn his passing.
Robbi

Shannon Skaggs

August 31, 2008

Rusty, you are and will continue to be missed by your friends and family. I pray for remembrance of the good times and a healing peace for your family.

Basil Rodriguez

August 29, 2008

To one of the finest drummers I had the
pleasure of playing with, may god bless you and the Riley family. Until we play together again.

Basil

Michael Barr

August 29, 2008

You will always be a friend and a fellow band member. My heart goes out to your family.

Melanie Morris (nee Silver)

August 28, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Rusty's family. I had the pleasure to march in the I.C.Norcom Marching Greyhounds band with Rusty as a fellow drummer. I have not seen him since high school. Several of us who graduated in the Class of "78" asked about him at our recent 30th reunion. May he be in a grand place and we will all meet again someday and perhaps relive those marching cadences we all loved.
God Bless you all,

Helena Wynn

August 28, 2008

My condolences and prayers to Rusty's family. He will surely be missed, but hold on to those memories. The beat will go on. Live and Love until we meet again.

Jeff James

August 27, 2008

He was always a good guy. This world is a better place because of his kindness, wit, and soft heart. I am blessed to have known him.

Robert Graupmann

August 27, 2008

Your walk on this Earth was but for a short time, but your impressions will last forever. We will always love you and keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Michele, Bob, Mal Gal,
Lauren and Jay Boy

Barry Coltrane

August 27, 2008

My codolences and prayers go out to the Riley family. Rusty was a friend amoungst friends. We had some great times in high school. He was truly talented and one of a kind. He was loved by all. Another one lost from the class of "1977". Barry, Charlie, Rosebud, Baby Dog, Marsha, Dedra, Vernell, and the rest of the gang. We are going to miss you.

Donna Bachem - Meketsy

August 27, 2008

My condolences to Rusty's family. I hadn't seen him since he left Busch Gardens but will always remember his passion for the REDSKINS, his peformances on stage in Das Festhaus and the love for his family! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Darrell Whitfield

August 27, 2008

God has taken a wonderful friend and brother up to be with Him in the air.I Loved you Rusty,but God loved you more. I'll miss the drum cadences from I.C. Norcom High, but I know you will be beating for another purpose in the heavenly band. To Mrs Riley, I will continue to pray for you and your family. When I'm home I will try to locate where you are. Trust and Obey there's no other way.
Yours in Christ,
Darrell A. Whitfield (Baby Dog) & Bass Drummer

Scott Taylor

August 27, 2008

You will forever be in our heart. We love you and will miss you.

Scott, Diana & Mckenzie

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