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Joseph Riley Obituary



Joseph Richard Riley, 32 of Amston, formerly of East Hartford, passed away Friday April 17, 2015 at home. He was born in Goldsboro NC, the son of James and Jean (Alexander) Riley and lived in the area most of his life. Joe attended East Hartford schools, UConn and Eastern CT State University. He was gifted in working with special needs children in the area of Autism, going back to High School, where he worked in a special education camp during the summer with the East Hartford Parks and Recreation program. He also previously worked as a paraprofessional with children of special needs. Joe also loved sports. After his collegiate days as a pitcher for ESCU, he played in various softball and flag football leagues as well as golf. He was larger than life, lots of fun with a heart of gold who loved his family very much. Besides his parents, Joe leaves a brother, Michael Riley and his wife Kayla of Manchester, a sister, US Army Specialist Meagan Riley and her husband Specialist Marcus Johnson of Fairbanks, AK, his grandparents, Richard and Jean Riley of East Hartford and Albert Alexander and his wife Sandy of Hartford. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Karen and Al Daly of East Hartford, Tim and Sharon Riley of East Hartford, Doug and Linda Alexander of Manchester, Tom and Lori Alexander of Glastonbury and Janice and Kevin Grady of Amston, his cousins, Jim Riley and his wife Cynthia, Sean Riley, Ann Marie Kennedy, Jessica Alexander, Sam Alexander, Michelle Nelson, Steve and Aiko Nelson, Sue and Steve Bonnano and Adam and Sarah Bonnano as well as many, many special friends. He was predeceased by his grandmother Betty Alexander. Friends may call Monday April 20, 2015 from 4-7 PM at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield, CT. The funeral will be held Tuesday April 21, 2015 at 9:15 from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer St. East Hartford, CT. Burial will be private. To extend online condolences, for directions or to light a memorial candle, please visit Farleysullivan.com.

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

Published by Hartford Courant on Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Alton Williams

May 2, 2015

May God provide the family comfort at this difficult time. Joe will be greatly missed. Especially by the young folks he served

April 27, 2015

Riley Family:

We just heard about Joe's passing this weekend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin and Cheryl Armstrong

Kevin & Mary Ann O'Connell

April 23, 2015

There are no words to heal your pain. I can only tell you time does ease the pain and that only happy memories of Joe will fill your hearts. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Lynn Cecere

April 23, 2015

Unbelievable! You are in my prayers and have my deepest sympathy. ..I am so very sorry for your loss.

Brenda Hollis

April 22, 2015

Jim & Jean,
We were so shocked and very sad to hear of Joe's passing! Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family! Remembering the great times of the boys in little league and hope those and many other happy memories give you strength during this difficult time!!
Bob & Brenda Hollis and Family

Eric Bober

April 22, 2015

Many great memories with Joe. Joe had a bigger heart than anybody I've met and obviously touched the lives of many, leaving memories that will continue to live on. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Riley family.

Brenda Marchese

April 22, 2015

Jean, Jimmy & family, We are so very sorry to hear about Joe...Please know that you & your family are always in our Prayers. Let the memories & fun times you've had with Joe surround you. With much love, Peter, Brenda & Anthony Marchese

Kathy and Ron Dagon

April 21, 2015

Jean, Jimmy and family, so sorry for your loss. I know your hearts must be breaking. I only hope, that your loving memories of him, help to heal. He was truly loved by many.

April 21, 2015

Jim, Jean and family- I am so sorry to hear about Joe's sudden passing. I send my prayers and thoughts to you. - Your old neighbor from across the street, Erik Johansen

April 21, 2015

Jim, Jean, Mike and Meghan and extended family. There are no words that can express the loss of a loved one. It was a beautiful service at St. Christopher's. With deepest sympathies, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Always, Chris & Kathy Kehoe

April 21, 2015

To the entire Riley Family - Loss is hard enough, but when it is your child it can be unbearable. Our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Ed, Joan and Eddy Tash

John Sargis

April 21, 2015

Rest Peacefully as your Memory Lives Strong

The Seeley's

April 21, 2015

Jim, Jean, Meagan and Michael ~

I'm speechless, my heart is so heavy for all of you.

The heaven above is shining bright. RIP, you great hearted man Joseph Richard Riley. May you shine down on your family and give them the strength to move forward through life.

To the Rileys and extended family, you're in our thoughts and prayers, love you all!

Kelly Snyder

April 21, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Riley family. Joe you knew how to LIVE... you touched so many lives and your legacy will go on forever. Sending love to all during this difficult time.

Nancy, Nicole & Joe Seagrave/Sullivan

April 21, 2015

Mike & Kayla....
May you and the entire Riley family find the strength you need to see you through this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy....our thoughts & prayers are with you.

Anne & Dan Haley

April 21, 2015

Just seeing the endless line of people at the wake last night tells you what a wonderful person Joe was. He touched so many lives in his short life. Our love is with you during your time of sorrow. Sending you love.

Bob DelVecchio

April 21, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

MDC Barkhamsted Crew

April 21, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mark DiBella

April 21, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

April 20, 2015

To all the friends and relatives of Joe Riley, Brian and I remembered him as a really nice guy, and always with the crowd laughing, and always very polite. He will be missed by many. I'm sure he's okay, but everyone else's hearts are heavy.
Brian and Carol-Ann Neal

Kathy and Ron Dagon

April 20, 2015

Jean and Jimmy, We're so so sorry for your loss. We can't imagine your heartbreak. We just hope that all your happy memories of Joe will help to heal your hearts.

Regina Gallaher

April 20, 2015

Jean & Jim
I'm so sorry for your loss. threw the years all I heard what a wonderful son and nephew joe was from Janice it was a pleasure to hear the storys.

Wali M Islam

April 20, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Riley family. I pray God opens his house to Joe.

April 20, 2015

So sorry for your loss. With deepest condolences , Gildo Lo Curzio and family !

April 20, 2015

jean&Jim
I like to think of sunbeams as those we love reaching down to remind us they are not very far at all. wishing you and your family moments where you feel wrapped up in warmth of your memories. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Regina Gallaher

Mary Ellen Wisneski

April 20, 2015

Jean Jim Michael and Meagan, To live in the hearts of others is never to die. Our sincere condolences to your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

The Wisneski Family

Christy Wethey

April 20, 2015

Jean, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May cherished memories help in your time of sorrow. My sincerest condolences to your entire family.

Dave Crecco

April 20, 2015

Respect, my friend.

Dave Crecco

April 20, 2015

Riley family,
My sincere condolences to you all, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe will be missed by many.

Caitano Senteio

April 20, 2015

Knowing him in and out of school was a complete pleasure, he was a great guy to hang with, and always made you feel welcome. I remember when he first came on ECSU campus, and I remembered how few people I knew from EH in the area and how amped I was to see him join our class. EHHS class of '01, ECSU class of '05, we all going to miss you my guy forever!

Paul Buccheri

April 20, 2015

Jim and family Sorry for loss

Tracy (Saunders) Liner

April 20, 2015

Jean, Jimmy, Mike & Meg - We are so incredibly sorry to hear that Joe has left us all far too soon. Our sympathies and prayers are with you all. -- The Liner Family

Tara and Forrest Riley

April 20, 2015

Joe's good heart and larger than life personality will never be forgotten. He was a great friend to my sister and a vibrant addition to any of our family gatherings. Condolences to your entire family.

Grace Vieira

April 20, 2015

I am at a loss for words. Riley family, I'm so sorry for your loss, my sincerest condolences to your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jake Dumond

April 20, 2015

Mr and Mrs Riley, Meg and Mike,
I can not begin to express our families deepest condolences for your loss. Joes memories will live on forever as he has touched so many peoples lives in such a positive way. Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time

Heather & Jason

April 20, 2015

My deepest sympathies to everyone in the Riley Family. We Love you all we're sending love and prayers.

Jay Blake

April 20, 2015

We haven't spoken in years Joe but you were a great friend. Took care of me many times and I'll always remember the good times. RIP friend, my deepest condolences to your family.

Andrew Perham

April 20, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

MDC Employee

April 20, 2015

My sincerest condolences for your loss, wishing you peace and strength during this very difficult time.

Seth and Jessica Falco

April 20, 2015

Mr and Mrs Riley and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe touched the hearts of so many people and was just an amazing person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys during this tough time.

Tony BVoccaccio

April 20, 2015

Jimmy Jean and family
So sorry to of your loss please remember god chosen your son Joe to be in his special garden may he rest in peace with all the angles.

Tony Boccaccio

Tim Kinel

April 20, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the entire Riley family at this time. I was very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was an incredible young man with a tremendous thirst for life, he will be sorely missed.

John Davoren

April 20, 2015

God bless Joe,so sorry for your loss Jim and family

Mary-Beth & David Raymond

April 20, 2015

Jean, Jimmy and family. There are no words that I could say to comfort you at this time. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Feel the love and friendship that surrounds you at this time. My deepest sympathy.

Lisa Healy

April 20, 2015

I didn't know Joe very well, altho both my nephews Jon and Mike Doros did. The few times I met him He always greeted me with a big hug and would talk to me like he knew me forever. I am saddened by your loss. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.

Carl Veilleux

April 20, 2015

Jim,

Words cannot begin to grasp the enormity of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this sorrowful time.

April 20, 2015

Jean, Jim, Megan and Mike,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved son, and brother Joe. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this very difficult time. Words cannot express my sadness for you all. May you find peace in the days to come.
Jane Walsh
Glastonbury, CT

Rameses Casaol

April 20, 2015

I'm devastated to hear such a great friend passes away at such a young age. My deepest sympathy to the entire Riley Family.

Tony & Michelle Walter

April 20, 2015

Jim,Jean and family, we are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

steve ross

April 20, 2015

Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Deane Craig

April 20, 2015

So sorry to hear about the lose of Joe my thoughts are with you both.

April 20, 2015

Jean I was so sorry to hear of your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family at this most difficult time! Barbara Cichowicz

curry calver

April 19, 2015

RIP Joe. So very saddened by this news. He left a mark on the EH community. My thoughts and prayers are with the Riley family at this difficult time. Gone too soon. C/O 2001 EHHS

April 19, 2015

Jean and Jimmie-We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Ours thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this very difficult time. With love and peace, Deb Sulla-Raicik and Wayne Raicik .

Jose Gonzalez

April 19, 2015

Jim and Jean, we have you in our thoughts. As we read the other notes we see that truly your son left a beautiful legacy during his time here. Our deepest condolences to your entire family.
Another angel has gone home early because of a job well done. RIP Joe.
Jose and Diana Gonzalez

April 19, 2015

Dear Riley Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

The Macfarlane Family

Trudy Hutchinson

April 19, 2015

To the Riley family,

I never saw Joe without a smile. He will be in my heart forever.

My deepest regards,
Trudy Hutchinson

Ashlee Ferguson-Cavallo

April 19, 2015

Riley Family,
I am so saddened to hear about Joe's passing. My sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. Joe will be forever in our hearts and memories.

April 19, 2015

Prayers for your strength, Jean & Jimmy, at this devastatingly difficult time. I cannot even imagine what you are feeling... God has an Angel by his side, your son. Bless you and may God keep you in the Palm of His hand through this. I have no words... love you. Cheryl Turner

Frank Wilkosz

April 19, 2015

Dear Jim & Jean and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.Frank enjoyed coaching Joey; he was a polite young student who loved baseball.
Our prayers go out to family and friends who miss him dearly. He is wAtching over us with his grandmother smiling all the while. May your memories comfort you at this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy& love,
Frank & Julianne Wilkosz

Douglas Clarke

April 19, 2015

To the Riley family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Joe was a special young man and made a positive difference for so many. Thought and prayers for you at this time and always.

Chris Kennan

April 19, 2015

God bless you Joe. You were definitely one of a kind.

Jennifer and Brooke Ledwith

April 19, 2015

To the world's best neighbors. On behalf of myself, Brooke and both kids we are so sorry for the loss of Joe. He was always so kind to us and his huge personality will be greatly missed.

Melissa Smith

April 19, 2015

Your Amazing, Larger than life personality will be forever missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family. Love you guys.

Tracy Stefano

April 19, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the entire Riley family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time!

April 19, 2015

Jean,Jimmy and family... I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Lamzano Panella

amanda Smith

April 19, 2015

May you rest in peace Joe!! God bless you and your family...my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keven Busque

April 19, 2015

Jean and Jim, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.. You and the family are in our prayers. God bless

Michael Mack

April 19, 2015

Jimmy, Jean and Mike my deepest condolences go out to you all on this saddened time! Joe was one nice and respected young man. May he rest in the peace of the Lord!

susan james

April 19, 2015

JEAN AND JIMMY
I Am SO sorry for your loss
Thinking of you and your family
My thought and prayers are with you
love
Sue james

April 19, 2015

Your son was my son's baseball coach at East Hartford High School. Your son was #1 in my book. He took my son under his wing. He was so full of life. There are just no words but please except my prayers and condolences on your son's passing. We have another ANGEL looking over us.

Mary Rore Sinisgalli

April 19, 2015

Jim and Jean I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Steve & Donna Taylor

April 19, 2015

Riley Family,
We are saddened beyond belief to hear of your son's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. We will keep you close in our hearts.
We are so very sorry.

April 19, 2015

Janice, I am so very sorry to hear about Joe. My prayers go out to you and your family. Thinking of you all. Chris W

April 19, 2015

When you speak of him, speak not with tears, for thoughts of him should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for his life was rich because of you.

April 19, 2015

Jean and Jim I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dottie Day Just and family

Steve Nelson

April 19, 2015

In my prayers.

April 19, 2015

Grieving that such a bright light in such a loving family is away from you now. Prayers for comfort to all and for great memories of Joe's life. He was very creative and made 'No Talent shows' memorable. Words are difficult but sincere.

Cousin Steve

Aleisha (Brainard) Velez

April 19, 2015

To the entire Riley Family and friends of Joe and the Class of 2001...I send my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. We have lost a huge part of our EH community. Joe was everyone's friend and a stand up guy. He will be sorely missed. R.I.P Joe!

Tom & Elena Doran

April 19, 2015

Jimmy, Jean & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Elena Doran

Billy and Teri Gilnack

April 19, 2015

Jean and Jimmy,

We are so sorry for your loss and want you and the rest of the family to know that you are ALL in our prayers. In the short few years that I knew Joe it was what I consider an honor as he was larger than life and had an AMAZING personality. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Anne and Dan Haley

April 19, 2015

Jean and Jim, I have no words that will comfort you. Please just know that we love you and are here for you - for anything- anytime. I'm so sorry.

Jessica skowronski-Kennison

April 19, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to the entire family Janice and Jean love you both very much

April 19, 2015

Jim and Jean, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My prayers and thoughts will be with you:(

Michael Dagon

April 19, 2015

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy. I have learned over time that words are inadequate in this circumstance and so I shall offer none. However I do wish to offer an understanding of the void that the soul endures. That does not ever pass, but it makes us all who we are. Celebrate the life and find comfort in the grace of God.

April 19, 2015

Jimmy and Jean we are so sorry to hear of Joes passing. Keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Barbara and Rick Walz

April 19, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the entire Riley family. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Craig Outhouse

Brenda Marchese

April 19, 2015

Jean & Jimmy, We are so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. There are no words to express how we feel, just know that we are here for you anytime. Our prayers are with your family today & always! With much love, Peter,Brenda & Anthony Marchese

Steven

April 19, 2015

Joe,
May God welcome you to his kingdom with open arms.

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Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home - Wethersfield

34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109-2201

Apr

21

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9:15 a.m.

Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home - Wethersfield

34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109-2201

Apr

21

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Christopher Church

538 Brewer St., East Hartford, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home - Wethersfield

34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109-2201

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