James "Riley" Tessaro

James "Riley" Tessaro, 93, of Tontitown, Passed away on June 22nd, 2024, at Circle of Life Hospice. He was born July 24, 1930, in Tontitown to the late Dick Tessaro and Mary Fiori Tessaro Jones. Riley was raised from childhood by his loving Uncle and Aunt, the late Pete and Mary Brandellero Tessaro.
After Graduating from Subiaco Academy, Riley joined the United States Air Force where he served as a radar technician for 21 years before retiring as Master Sergeant. He fought and served our country in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his service, Riley was stationed overseas in Madrid, Spain and Freising,, Germany as well as stateside in Alaska, Oklahoma, California, Louisiana and South Carolina. He had a knack for languages and spoke Italian, German and Spanish.
On October 24, 1953, he married Marie Hawkins and they enjoyed 56 years together. After retiring from the Air Force, Riley and Marie moved to Tontitown with their four children and lived next to Aunt Mary and Uncle Pete. In 1979, Riley was one of the original firefighters who started the Tontitown Volunteer Fire Department. He loved the Fire Department and was still going on night calls into his 80's. In 2022, Riley retired from the Fire Department after 42 years of service where he served as Battalion Chief. He also worked for many years as a safety director for P.A.M. Transport before retiring at the age of 65.
Riley was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tontitown. As part of his church ministry, Riley served with the Knights of Columbus and worked every year at the Tontitown Grape Festival - for the past several years you could find him selling car tickets. He also served many years at the Tontitown Historical Museum including Vice President for a time. His Aunt Mary was an amazing cook which led Riley to his love of food, particularly homemade bread and desserts (he never missed a donut Sunday after Mass)! He loved playing bocce with his friends at the park, listening to music at the Tontitown Winery, riding his bicycle (and in later years his 4-wheeler) and tending to his garden.
Riley was preceded in death by his wife Marie, sister, Frances Holt and brother-in-law Jack Holt.
Survivors include four children, Kenny Tessaro and wife Debbie, Janice Della Rosa and husband Mike, Tim Tessaro and wife Melissa, all of Tontitown; and Mike Tessaro and wife Shelley of Dallas; twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown with Father Balaraju "Bala" Akkala officiating. Visitation will be from 6-7pm at the church on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Rosary services will begin at 7pm on Wednesday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Russell Della Rosa, Jason Tessaro, Jeffrey Della Rosa, Chad Tessaro, Brian Tessaro and Tyler Tessaro. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tontitown Area Volunteer Firefighters.
Memorials may be made to the Historical Tower Memorial Gardens at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown or Circle of Life Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com