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Peter Riley Obituary
Peter Riley
of Eagan, MN
formerly of Binghamton
Peter Riley, 66, of Eagan, MN, formerly of Binghamton, NY, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on December 14, 2009. Pete fought hard in his battle with cancer. Pete was born in Bath, England. He came to America and made quite a name for himself. He retired from Singer Link after 15 years of loyal service. He then moved on to Northwest Airlines, where he made friends all over the world with his charisma and charm. He eventually retired from Northwest Airlines. Pete also worked for Opinicus Corporation in Tampa, FL. He loved what he did. Flight Simulation, and everything associated with it, was his passion in life. Pete will be remembered fondly and missed greatly by all those who worked with him. Pete is survived by his wife, Sheree of 33 years; children, Karen (Scott) Holloway, Suzanne (Scott) Hussar, Holly (Corey) Strandberg, and Peter M. Riley; five grandchildren, Alan, Brian, Adam, Paris, and Megan; two brothers, John (Alice) Riley of Binghamton, NY and Anthony (Anne) Riley of Vestal, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Sliter. Pete loved many things: his family, his job, classic oldies and especially Buddy Holly. He loved playing golf, the Giants and the Dodgers! While Pete struggled with cancer for many months, he had his loving family by his side to offer support. He received calls and many visits from friends and family alike. Pete managed to keep his sense of humor throughout these tough times. One could always expect a smile, sharing a laugh or reminding us all to take care of ourselves. He will be missed, he will always be loved, and we know God has welcomed him warmly.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Ambrose Church, Endicott, Saturday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Donald E. Bourgeois as Celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in Peter's memory may be made to the Southern Tier Hockey Association c/o Bob Gleason, 129 Sheedy Rd., Vestal, NY 13850.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Riley
My best friend during school days at Ben Franklin/North High
John Kabanek
December 11, 2020
Always remember our last talks while I was in Florida on vacation in 2008. We sure had some great times together.
John Kabanek
December 11, 2019
Ten (10) years ago I was taken back by Pete's death and even today I am sad thinking of him leaving the world so soon. Early this year our mutual friend (Dave Moat) and I attended Spring Training baseball in Arizona. We purposely attended a Los Angeles Dodger game wishing he could have been part of our adventure.
John Kabanek
August 4, 2012
Hard to believe it has been 2 1/2+ years. Next year I have a trip planned to New Mexico and Colorado. My travels will take me through Lubbock, TX & a stop @ the Buddy Holly Museum. Like I do whenever I hear one of his songs on the radio (not unusual here in TX) I will think of our years of friendship, many talks and smile. John
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Dad!
Lately I find myself thinking of Christmas's of the past. I remember waiting to receive your phone call telling us you were on the plane and doing some last minute shopping because the "special" gifts wouldn't fit in your suitcase. Then there was the last minute wrapping and filling out the name tags. You wanted each gift to look just right.
You you always looked forward to seeing the kids faces when they opened their gifts from Grandpa Pete.
I remember watching Charlie Brown Christmas and hearing John Denver and The Muppets Christmas songs. Christmas was a special time of year when mince meat pies, meat & potato pies and lots of cookies were made. You loved your sweets!
You looked forward to playing pool and games with the kids. There was also the countless of hours spent listening to music and trying to be the first person to identify the song, artist and the year it was released.
Watching sports was also a favorite. The kids always knew you'd be watching the Giants, Sports Center and ESPN when you were here. You broadened our horizons when it can to the world of sports. We learned so much about soccer, golf and racing. There was also the debate over the Dodgers & the Yankees and who was better.
This year won't be the same without you Dad but we know you are in a better place and that you are here in spirit with us.
Merry Christmas in heaven Dad.
Love ya TTA,
Karen
xoxo
June 20, 2010
Happy Fathers Day Dad! I love and miss you very much! I look forward to the day when we can be together again. Have a great fathers day!!
With much love TTA,
Karen
xoxo
Dad & I
June 20, 2010
Anne Riley
June 2, 2010
I just heard a Bobby Venton song on the radio and tears came to my eyes. I thought about you immediately. All the kidding you did because Bobby Venton was a favorite of mine for a long time. Thanks Pete for those memories. I wishwe could make more. Your loving sister-in-law Anne
January 14, 2010
Hi Dad,
Even though it has only been a month since we last talked it seems a lot longer. I have wanted to call you so many times and say "hi, how are you" but now I know I don't need the phone to talk to you. I think about you several times a day and even find myself talking out loud to you. I only wish I could hear your voice. I wish you were here but I wouldn't change the way things are now because you are healthy, happy, and cancer free.
Every time I hear a Chicago song, especially "Feeling Stronger Everyday, I think about all of the great times we had together. I am especially grateful to have had 2 weeks alone together in Florida. I have learned so much from you and will always be grateful to have you as my Dad.
Thanks for being an awesome Dad!
I love you and miss you more than words can say.
Love ya always,
Karen
XOXO
Holly
January 12, 2010
Dad,
I know you have finally gone to a better place. One where you feel no pain, there is no such thing as cancer, and you can play golf until your heart is content. I know your suffering is over and you are at peace. There is no greater relief for us to know you are with God, and in good company with other friends and family up there.
While I am happy for your peace, I want you to know you are missed. I think of you every single day. I find myself using your sense of humor, using some of your same mannerisms, and smiling every time I hear your music. I have your passion for work, and the desire to be successful, as you were in your work. All of these remind me that you are still with me, and always will be.
You gave me many gifts growing up. Many I did not realize until I was older, our trips, the experiences abroad, and the desire to work hard to get what I wanted out of life. Dad, I promise to work hard and continue to make you proud of me. I love you and I look forward to the day when I can see you again. In the mean time, I will try to take care of myself and I will always have you in my heart.
I love you Dad.
The Cliffs of Dover
January 8, 2010
howard perry
January 1, 2010
sorry for your loss. when i think of pete i will always remember the smile when i would see him at links
Bill Cabral
December 28, 2009
Hello Sheree and the whole family. I only new Pete a short while but he became a good freind. He rented my condo in Florida for about a year and he loved it very much there. I will always remeber his smile and encouraging words. I know he was a man of Faith and he is with Jesus now celebrating his life. Take care! Bill, Kim, Grace and little Billy Cabral.
Becky Hubbard
December 21, 2009
Dear Holly and Peter,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. You both are in my prayers. Moms Friend,
Becky Hubbard
December 21, 2009
To my dear friend Sheree,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathies for you at this time. Only God;s lve can heal your heart now, and I know He will. I love you dearly.
Becky
Gail D (Weber) Wagner
December 19, 2009
To Pete's family: I worked with Pete at Singer under Dean Bates. He was a terrific guy with a great sense of humor. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Brian Sindon
December 19, 2009
I am sorry to hear about Pete's passing. He was a great friend and co-worker that always had a smile on his face...except when he had to coach our Link softball team (The Playmates)!! He was a great guy that helped make our Link days fun and exciting!!
You will always be remembered!
Brian Sindon and family
December 19, 2009
I also have great and good memories of Pete from our days together at Link,and even a visit in Texas.
My thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow and celebration of a wonderful person.
Mark Doolittle
December 18, 2009
Dear Sheree, Holly & Peter.
We were very saddened to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of Pete and your days in Savage, like my tour of the simulator and Holly babysitting. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
In deepest sympathy,
your old neighbors,
Jim & Laurie Ross
Ron Strony
December 18, 2009
Always a smile on his face. Always willing to help. That's the way I will remember Pete. Rest in peace Pete.
Dan VanValkenburg
December 18, 2009
My condolences to Pete's family. It was a privilege to know and work with Pete. He always seemed to have a smile on is face. My Natco/NWA days were made better because Pete was there. He WILL be missed.
Dick Savage
December 18, 2009
With my Deepest Condolence & Sympathy
Pete was a great friend back in the Old Link days i.e. LAC members, Duster Supporters,Softball Foes Etc
Bob Fitzgerald
December 18, 2009
Pete
Rest in peace, a good friend and co worker.
My deepest sympathies.
Go dodgers
December 18, 2009
What Is A Dad?
A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.
A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.
A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...
Love ya always Dad!
Karen
xoxoxoxo
TTA
Gary Hitchcock
December 18, 2009
My deepest sympathy to your family , I cannot reminiscence without pleasant
thoughts of my dear old friend Pete .
Larry Gincerowski
December 18, 2009
To the family of my friend of the past of whom your smile, I will always remember, our deepest sympathy.
I would think about you as we would drive by the house you lived in on Conklin Ave.
You were a great person to know and I appreciated your friendship.
Sue Tong
December 18, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
carrie wilson
December 18, 2009
Karen, Scott, Brian & Megan,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather. Our family will be keeping yours in our prayers during this very difficult time. Please take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and his long battle is over. Our condolensces are with your entire family.
Judy Gardner
December 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Pete's family, extended family and friends through this difficult time. Believe me, I am feeling the loss deeply myself.
Pete, We have been good friends for so very long - and we have shared so much - that I cannot imagine life without you. We used to kid about our prayer lists and how they were getting longer and longer. That we would have to get up earlier each day to finish them. I know in my heart that you are already praying for all of us down here...and that is a great comfort. I know you are right where you want to be and have always wanted to be, and worked so hard for. What a place to celebrate Christmas. We are the December children - you and me and Jesus. We always felt that way. I will miss you my dear old friend. Love and Peace.....Jude
Bob Doucette
December 18, 2009
For over 20 years I have considered Pete one of my dearest friends. I can't recall anyone in my life that was as kind and gentle as he. I can recall so many memories of him that will be with me forever. I wish his family peace during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I will miss him.
John Kabanek
December 18, 2009
My deepest heart felt sympathy goes out to the family. Pete and I go way back to the southside days and North High. As teenagers we worked together @ the movie theater in Binghamton and later in life @ Singer - Link.
I will miss my good friend, but I will always have wonderful memories to draw upon. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Andy Gaspar
December 18, 2009
Everyone always had something good to say about Pete and he always treated folks right. He will be missed and my condolences to Sheree and the rest of his family.
Linda Studer
December 17, 2009
I have so many fond memories of working with Pete at Natco/ NWA. He was a kind, gentle soul. My thought and prayers are with him & his family.
ed coolbaugh
December 17, 2009
my deepest sympathy to you and your children. pete was one of the nicest people i ever knew.when pete left links to go to northwest,it was a big loss.
a friend ed coolbaugh
san antonio texas
Anonymous
December 17, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Larry Bohl
December 17, 2009
So many memories come flooding back thinking of Pete. What talent and personality plus. When thinking of him a smile comes on my face through my tears.
Leslie Raskovich
December 17, 2009
I hope you are all able to find joy in the wonderful and exciting memories Pete has left us with. He truly lived life and is loved and will be missed by so many.
Jim, Linda, Erik, Nolan,and Karson Tofte
December 17, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Blachek
December 17, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Ginny Cox
December 17, 2009
May God give you peace.
You were a good friend for many years.
Peace and Love,
Ginny
Nancy Knight
December 17, 2009
My sincerest condolences. Pete was always a joy to be around, with a ready smile and quick wit. He touched many lives and will be missed by all.
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