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Alexandria, Virginia

WILLIAM RILEY Obituary


WILLIAM E. RILEY, JR.  Col. U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)  
On July 25, 2011 in peace of natural causes. Beloved son of the late Lt. Gen. William E. Riley, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.). He will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Patricia O'Leary Riley; father of Capt. William E. Riley, III, U.S.M.C.R. (Elizabeth Saldana) of Alexandria, VA, Mary Alice Gehrdes (David) of Annapolis, MD and John Riley (Patty Ryan) of Fairfax, VA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Faith Mangente Riley, Brian, Emily, Katie and Erin Gehrdes and Alice, Joe, Tim and Bridget Riley-Ryan; his sister, Kathy Ward; nieces, nephews and countless other relatives and friends. He will be remembered for his 31 years of service in the Marines and in two wars, for his charitable and friendly spirit; his loving and good humored attentiveness to his children and grandchildren, for his devotion to the love of his life and for his deep faith. Friends may call at EVERLY WHEATLEY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the work of Christ House of Catholic Diocese of Arlington, P.O. Box 1900, Merrifield, VA 22116-1900; the University of St. Thomas, Mail Dev, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 or the Marine Corp Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Dr., #104, Dumfries, VA 22025.www.everlyfuneralhomes.com   

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM RILEY

Sponsored by William E. Riley III.

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Faith is so Riley :-)

November 5, 2012

November 5, 2012

grandpa was about Faith's age on this picture

November 5, 2012

Grandma and grandpa babysitting baby Faith

October 28, 2012

with newborn baby Faith M. Riley

October 28, 2012

October 28, 2012

Faith's 2nd bday

October 28, 2012

Fredda Mangente

October 27, 2012

I will always be grateful for the memories built during the happy times Faith, Alfred, and I had the opportunity to spend with him. I will always remember his sweetness and tenderness as he held our daughter in his arms, and his patience and kindness towards Alfred who as a toddler always thought of himself as the real Spiderman wherever he went. Faith asked about his grandpa so many times when she was looking at her own picture albums. The disappointed look on her face when she found out her grandpa was no longer around. I told Faith that "I'm sure your grandpa is cheering for you in heaven during your ice hockey, swimming, soccer, basketball, and track & field." We definitely miss him. Our deepest condolences to the Rileys.

Mike Mesmer

September 14, 2012

My sincere condolences on the loss of "Uncle Bill"...I am sorry to say we have not been in contact for many years...always enjoyed our visits to Santa Ana and then up to Seattle... Give my best to the rest of the family. Most sincerely, Mike Mesmer (son of Carl W. Mesmer, Jr.)

Dad and John Riley at a party at Green Spring in 2005

William Riley

November 2, 2011

William Riley III

November 2, 2011

Dad had a wonderful ceremony and there were so many who came and sent regards from all over the world. It was great seeing the relatives from Minnesota and some of my buddies from High School. And Sen James Webb stopped by too! Now Dad and Grampa are watching over all of us until we meet again! Sincerely, BR3

July 30, 2011

So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Your mom and dad were at my parents house often over the years. They were always a delight and will not be forgotten. Love, Genevieve Barrett Goodwin

Laura DiBerardinis

July 29, 2011

Mary Alice,
I was sorry to hear about your Dad. I know that this past year has been a difficult one. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort knowing that he is at peace. Much, much love.

Sissy Barrett Weisbrook

July 28, 2011

I am truly sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

July 27, 2011

To the Riley family - I want to pass along my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. I'll be certain to say a few prayers for your father - and all Marines. Very Respectfully,
James F. Morrison, Jr.
Major, U.S. Army (Ret)

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Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home

1500 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302

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