Jerome K. "Jerry" Riley Sr.

Of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Salem, Dorchester, and Braintree. At the age of 78 years, retired Boston Police Patrolman, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, following a courageous and valiant battle with cancer surrounded by Elke Vizzo (his soul mate) and his 5 children.

Born in Salem, he is the son of the late John & Josephine (Sullivan) Riley. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1966. He continued his education earning his master’s degree from Western New England College in Criminal Justice. Immediately following graduation from high school, Jerry joined and proudly served two tours in Vietnam as a Paratrooper in the 173rd, Airborne, United States Army, fought in Dak To and Hill 875. He is a Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. After Vietnam Jerry continued serving his country in the Army Reserves, Ft. Devens, rising to and retiring as First Sergeant. He joined the Boston Police Department and continued his public service for 25 years, assigned to C-11 Dorchester. Jerry respected and took great pride in being a patrolman, his fellow officers, and valued camaraderie.

Jerry was an active member of American Legion Post, Unit #318, Port St. Lucie, enjoyed watching the Boston Bruins, college football and was an avid Patriots fan with his friends and family. He and Elke danced Friday and Saturday nights away. He enjoyed traveling, Ireland, Italy, Vietnam, France, Germany, and back and forth from Florida to Massachusetts, and everywhere in between.

Jerry lived his life to the fullest and right to the edge. He loved and was very proud of his children and their accomplishments: his 8 grandchildren and his 4 great-grandchildren were all he could talk about and the smile that would cross his face at the mention of any of them. His siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family, he was devoted to and had so much love for all. There is nothing Jerry wouldn’t do for his entire family and friends. He will be deeply missed as Jerry is truly one of a kind.

Jerry is survived by his children; Shannon-Lee Riley and her partner Philip Babcock of Rockland, Jerome Riley Jr. and his wife Lynn Riley of South Weymouth, Laura-Lee Riley of Braintree, Christopher Riley and his wife Brittany Riley of Fortin, Georgia, and Joseph Riley his wife Jaclyn Riley, of Braintree; his grandchildren Kevin/Krista, Patrick/Susan and Julie Riley, Daniel/Ashley Douglass, Michael, Anthony, Joseph Jr. and Gioanna Riley; 4 great-grandchildren Peyton, Owen, Josie and Lingaquq; his sister Maureen and her husband William Carone, NH and his brother Francis Riley, Beverly and brother-in-law Edward King, Beverly. He was also the brother of the late, Alice Riley-King, Mark J. Riley Sr., Michael Riley Sr., John E. Riley Jr., Martha Getty, Elenore Waldron, Arthur Riley, Walter Riley, and Rosemary Demeule.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jerry’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Avenue, DORCHESTER, on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday morning, March 14th, at 11:00 A.M.

Burial with military honors will follow in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.