Robert Lee Riley, age 88 of Nappanee, IN, died on Monday morning, November 10, 2025 at Brickyard Health Care in Elkhart, IN. Bob was born on July 28, 1937 in Valparaiso, IN to Lee and Helen (Nickerson) Riley. Bob was a 1955 Morgan Township High School graduate and went on to receive his Bachelor’s in Education degree from Valparaiso University. Bob later received his Master’s in Education from Indiana University as part of a Lilly Fellowship. On August 31, 1957, Bob married Joyce Bricker at the 1st Baptist Church in Valparaiso. Bob was a long-time educator. He started his teaching career at Star City Schools and then at Akron Schools before starting at Nappanee High School in 1963. Bob taught the rest of his career in Nappanee, first at Nappanee High School, and later at NorthWood High School, retiring in 1999. He was a long-time chair of the Social Studies Department at NorthWood and served stints as both the boys and girls Junior Varsity Basketball Coach. Bob was the Head Baseball Coach at NorthWood for 19 years, posting a career record of 361-271. His record includes three Sectional championships and two Regional crowns. His teams were ranked in the Top 20 for five years and he coached the Indiana All-Stars in 1980. Bob was influential in the creation of the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame, working tirelessly over the years to help induct worthy athletes from Elkhart County Schools, especially from Nappanee, Wakarusa, and NorthWood High Schools. Bob himself was inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a coach. Bob served for many years as the Jefferson Township Trustee, helping many in the community with bill assistance. He and Joyce have been long-time members of the Nappanee United Methodist Church and were a part of the Deja Vu Sunday School class. In his free time, Bob was a Master Gardener and loved spending time in his backyard tending to both vegetable and flower gardens. He was also an avid fisherman and loved passing down his love for fishing to his children and grandchildren. Above all else, Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a devoted family man and will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Joyce Riley of Nappanee; 2 children: Kim (Jim) Allen of Indianapolis, IN and Kevin Riley of Fishers, IN; son-in-law, Tim O’Rourke of Connersville, IN; 8 grandchildren: Sydney Allen, Riley Allen, Madison (Mitchell) DeShurko, Kyle (Kourtney) O’Rourke, Emily (Landen) Hinkle, Brooks Riley, Brady Riley, and Jenna Riley; granddaughter-in-law, Keli (Tyler) Denbo; 4 great grandchildren: Sean II, Kenzie (Malachi), Zander, and Kingslee; a great-great-grandson, Waylon; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kellie O’Rourke; grandson, Sean O’Rourke; two brothers: Bill and David Riley; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Rosemary Riley. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 10am-1pm at the Nappanee United Methodist Church (301 E. Market St. Nappanee, IN 46550). A memorial service will begin at 1pm on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Chris Stephens from Nappanee United Methodist Church officiating. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name can be given to NorthWood Baseball (c/o NorthWood Athletics 2101 N. Main St. Nappanee, IN 46550).
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