William Joseph Riordan

William J. Riordan, 72, a 30-year resident of Southport and a current resident of both Milford and Clinton, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at his home after a year-long illness. Mr. Riordan served as the president/chief executive officer of St. Vincent's Medical Center and St. Vincent's Health Services from 1974 to 2004. With thirty years of service, he was the longest-serving CEO of any hospital in Connecticut and the longest-serving CEO ever affiliated with Ascension Health, the national health system of which St. Vincent's is a member. Riordan attended St. Anselm's College, and he later received a degree in hospital administration from St. Louis University. He began his career as the commander of an Air Force hospital in Tennessee. His first appointment after being discharged from the military at age 27 was as the chief operating officer of St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, New York. Riordan's career in hospital administration spanned more than 35 years. He was appointed president of St. Vincent's Hospital in 1974. He oversaw the construction and move from the old hospital to the new medical center, a 400-bed hospital with 3, 500 employees, in 1976. Riordan was responsible for the development of St. Vincent's Health Services, an integrated system of care that includes Hallbrooke Behavioral Services in Westport, St. Vincent's Special Needs Services in Trumbull. St. Vincent's Foundation, St. Vincent's College and Connecticut Health Enterprises, a managed care affiliate. He also acted concurrently as the Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Medical Center in Stamford from 1994 to 1999. Before his retirement in 2004, Riordan also oversaw the construction and dedication of the St. Vincent's outpatient pavilion. He also presided over the affiliation and teaching hospital agreement with New York Presbyterian Healthcare System. Under his leadership, St. Vincent's Medical Center was the first hospital in Connecticut to receive back-to-back "accreditation with commendation" and was recognized as a "Top 100" Heart Hospital by an independent national survey group. During his career, Riordan was presented with numerous awards, including an honorary degree from Sacred Heart University and a leadership award from the Daughters of Charity. He received the American College of Healthcare Executives Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent's Award. The award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of heath care management excellence. Riordan was also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and served as a regent for Connecticut from 1979 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1995. Riordan was a former member of the Paterson Club and Saugatuck Yacht Club. After twenty years as a boater, he retired to the seashore in Clinton. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Roberta, children, Robert of Philadelphia and New York and William and Danielle Riordan and grandchildren Brittany, Courtney and Will of Stratford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Friday (Today) from 5-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. If desired memorial contributions may be made to The CT Hospice, Inc., 2 Trap Falls Road, Shelton, CT 06484. For information or to sign on online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com