Robert Edward "Bob" Riley

1937 - 2021

Bob Riley Robert Edward "Bob" Riley was born January 6, 1937 in Fall River, MA, the third of four sons (Jim, Frank, and Jack) to Frank and Peg (Walsh). Bob attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and served in the U.S. Navy before joining the Merchant Marines, becoming a Captain and sailing around the world. Bob married Cathy Boylan on January 21, 1967; shortly thereafter they moved cross country so Bob could start a job as a stevedore manager in San Francisco. Bob and Cathy found a beautiful home in San Rafael, with a deck from which to hang lights shaped like a Christmas tree, and enough room for five kids: Stephanie, Kevin (Carrie), Marty, Stevie (Cheryl), and Michelle. He took us on a host of adventures in the big blue bus he had renovated himself and in a series of boats and watercraft. He earned the nickname Dirty Harry because he was stronger and tougher than anyone we ever met. Time changes people and Dirty Harry turned into a soft, loving Papa to Emmy, Sami, Charli, Addie, Cate, John and Cash. After a long battle with a body that betrayed him, he died at Marin General on July 21, 2021 with a smile on his face and his youngest son at his side. He is survived by his wife, kids, grandkids, and his beloved nieces and nephews.