Peter Riley

Peter was my math teacher at Van Wyck Junior High School and when he saw my name on the first day of class, he informed me "I bought your parents old house" . This was probably in 1970 or 71. I don't think I had seen him since but immediately recognized his larger than life smile(and beard) when I saw his picture in my mother's local paper. Memories flashed back to his sense of humor and kindness, even after over half a century. I extend my sympathies to his family for their loss and just wanted to share the memory I have of his kindness.

What started out as car pooling with a colleague to work turned into one of the most meaningful friendships my mom, Mary Quinn, had. He and Bev were like family. Pete came to the rescue when she threw her back out and I was too small to know how to help. When she would bring me into school with her, I soaked up the laughter and warmth and love that he radiated in the English and Math Department room. Mom also always joked that he convinced her to join his bowling team even though she felt like she couldn´t cut it..."It´s easy," he´d say. "Just shake hands with the head pin!" I still quote him whenever I attempt to bowl all these years later. My love and deepest condolences to Bev and the whole family. He was one in a million.
Love, Christy