Joseph R. Riling

(Manahawkin Newspapers)

JOSEPH R. RILING
AGE: 84 WYNCOTE, PA
Joseph Raymond "Captain Joe" Riling, 84, of Montgomery County, PA. and formerly of Tuckerton, died March 20 in Abington Memorial Hospital.
Riling was a well-known Master Decoy Carver and Military Historian. He was very well-known in decoy carving circles and had participated in the Pinelands Decoy Show since its onset, taking many first and second place trophies for both fish and wildlife decoys.
He maintained a home in Tuckerton for more than 30 years, where he loved to fish and carve. He was also the owner of Ray Riling's Arms Books in Philadelphia, specializing in guns and military history.
He also belonged to the NRA and Company of Military Historians. He authored two books: "The Arts and Science of War" and "Baron Von Steuben and his Regulations."
He kept his 17-foot-fishing boat, Six Pack II, at a dock in Tuckerton where friends would wait anxiously for him to return to find out what he caught.
He was born in Philadelphia to Raymond and Ada Wilkinson. After graduating from Germantown Hgh School, he attended Peirce College.
He married the former Margaret Jane Wenz in 1950 and lived in Wyncote.
He served in the Navy in the South Pacific as a radio officer aboard LST 853, called the "Kane County," ferrying troops and equipment in the island-hopping campaign.
He was pre-deceased by one son, Michael.
Surviving are his wife, Peggy; a twin brother, Raymond Joseph; sons, Jay of Tuckerton, Jeff, Jim and Larry, all of PA and Tom of MD.
A service was held March 23. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.