PATRICK V. RILEY

1925 - 2021

RILEY, Patrick V. Family Service of Greater Boston Advocate for Families Pat, Applejack, Dad, Gramps, at age 96, left our world peacefully at the Residence at Shelburne Bay, Shelburne, VT on September 18, 2021. Born on July 22, 1925, in Detroit, MI, to Edward and Ethyl (Ekers) Riley, he moved to Zeigler, Ill., upon Ethyl's death. His dad married Lillian (Williams) Riley and they had one son, James T. Riley. Pat's "Memoir of a Zeigler Boy" states, "While poor by today's standards, my childhood was not unhappy. I had a lot of fun!" Pat attended Zeigler Public Schools, graduated from high school in 1943, and moved to St. Louis, MO, and began work as a meter reader for Union Electric Company. "After registering for the draft on my 18th birthday, my first experience at independence came to an end. I passed the army physical, and on November 12, 1943, the family watched as I got on a train with a group of draftees to go to Fort Sheridan for induction into the Army. The Army Specialized Training Program, for which I had qualified, was discontinued, and I became an infantry man. I went overseas to the European theatre, became a casualty with trench foot, returned to the States, and ended my army career in May 1946 as a Military Policeman." "I went to Southern Illinois University for one year then transferred to Northwestern University. To support myself, I got a job at Arden Shore, a home for underprivileged and troubled boys aged 9 to 17. There I met Nancy Wright, who in 1948, became my wife of 57 years. Then I went to graduate school at the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1952. After getting my master's degree, we moved to Stockton, CA, where I had gotten a job as a psychiatric social worker. We then bought a house and furnished it with daughter, Janet, and son, Pat." Pat became Executive Director of Foothill Family Service in Pasadena, California, in 1960, launching his lifelong career bringing "Strength to Families." Leaving direct casework 1966, he became Regional Director, and then Assistant General Director for Family Service Association of America, in New York City. In 1972, Pat became Executive Director of Family Service of Greater Boston. He was recognized by the Massachusetts Legislature and numerous other entities for leading efforts promoting the self-sufficiency and well-being of at-risk families and individuals through the provision of innovative, culturally competent, and integrated health and social services, thereby contributing to healthy communities. Retiring in 1988 from Family Service, his career then began as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed charter boat Captain in Scituate, MA. Known professionally as Applejack, his relaxed manner generated many regular customers. On occasion, when the fishbox was empty upon return to the dock, Pat gave customers fish from his own freezer so they could taste the elusive species! He moved to Vermont in 2017 to be closer to family. He is missed by daughter, Janet Riley Francis and husband, Terry Francis, of Hinesburg, VT, and by son, Patrick E. Riley, and wife, Kerry Riley, of Lodi, WI. His six grandchildren and families, Timothy and Cathleen Francis, Caitlin Francis and Chris Tirrell, Kelsey and Sam Francis-Fath, Brin Riley, Michael Riley and Casey Riley continue his legacy of public service and fishing. He delighted in his 4.5 great-grandchildren! He is also survived by Marian Riley Scuras, sister-in-law, many nephews, nieces, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy Wright Riley; parents and step-mother; step-brother James T. Riley, cousins William E. O'Brien and Margaret M. O'Brien. The family thanks the staff of the Residence at Shelburne Bay and Bayada Hospice for their excellent care. A Celebration of Life will be held in summer 2022, in Scituate, MA, and his ashes will be scattered in the ocean where Nancy's were lovingly placed years ago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a local United Way, or to Honor Flight of New England (honorflightnewengland.org) honoring WWII veterans, or to Stripers Forever (stripersforever.org), responsibly stewarding wild striped bass along the Atlantic Coast.

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