Fred Edsall Riley IV

Fred E. "Bucky" Riley IV
April 26, 1941 – September 10, 2025
Fred E. "Bucky" Riley IV passed away quietly at his camp by Swains Lake on September 10, 2025, just before his preload shift alarm would have sounded.
Born in Clinton, New Jersey, Bucky was the eldest of three children born to Fred E. Riley III and Ruth Creitz Riley. At age five, his family relocated to Dover, New Hampshire, settling on Littleworth Road. He attended Woodman Park School and Dover High School, where he began many lifelong friendships.
In his early years, Bucky was a rolling stone. A BMW motorcycle sidecar racer, he spent some of his 20's living in Florida, working as a busboy at the famous Breakers Resort to support his travels. Once he'd saved enough money, he rode cross-country to California. In his free time, he became an excellent roller-skater, so much so that his 60th birthday was at the old roller rink.
Returning to Dover in the 1960s, Bucky married Patty Rowell Riley. Together, they raised four children-Rebecca, Fred V, Elizabeth, and Jennifer-in their home on Columbus Avenue. Bucky dedicated himself to family life working seven days a week on his father's dairy farm, Level Acres, alongside a 35-year career at UPS.
Bucky was known for his love of yard sales and collecting junk. In later years, he could often be found at Dover Paint and Varnish or driving too slowly on the back roads in his little pickup truck. Of all his finds, his red Porsche tractor was his most beloved.
Although he was busy providing for his family when his own children were young, by the time his grandchildren came along, he had both the means and the time to support them at their sports. Whether it was Natalies cheerleading, Brystol's softball games or Bryce's baseball across New England, or cheering on Eric, Riley, and Jed at soccer matches in places from Massachusetts to Louisiana-even Scotland-he went to watch. He was truly a great Grampa!
He leaves behind a legacy of love, and hard work that will be cherished by his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.
A celebration of Bucky's life will be held at North Country Cider 38 Littleworth Road Dover, NH 03820 on Sunday, September 14, from 4–7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Seacoast Cancer Center, Amy's Treats, or Strafford County Community Action Program.