Nicholas Todd "Nick" Riordan

1983 - 2018

Nicholas "Nick" Todd Riordan
PEORIA -- Nicholas (Nick) Todd Riordan, 34, of Peoria, formerly of Heyworth, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 3, 2018 at 12:29 pm after a hard and bravely fought battle with cancer. Cancer did not win, however, as Nick received the ultimate prize.
Nick was born July 9, 1983 to Todd and Connie (Negray) Riordan. He married the love of his life, Sarah (Presley) Riordan, March 7, 2009. Together, they welcomed 3 blessings: Keegan (7), Kallan (6), and Brynnley (9mos). His children and his wife were the force behind his courageous battle and the reason he thanked God daily for "another day above ground."
Nick leaves behind many who will deeply mourn the earthly loss including his wife, Sarah Riordan; his children, Keegan, Kallan, & Brynnley; his parents, Connie Riordan and Todd (Linda) Riordan; his siblings, Nathan (Lauren) Riordan, Derick (Erika) Riordan & Christina Frederick; nephew, Bo Frederick; nieces, Finn Frederick & Hadley Riordan; his parents in-love, Terry and Sandy Presley; a great grandma through marriage, Betty Presley; and numerous aunts and uncles both related to him by blood and through marriage.
Nick was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Dorothy Negray and Glenn and Elizabeth Riordan, and his brother Bryan Wright.
Nick grew up in Heyworth, graduating as a Hornet in 2002. Before continuing his education and becoming a paramedic, he worked as a 911 dispatcher for Metcom. Throughout his life, he volunteered his time at the Randolph Township Fire Department where he worked his way to Captain and at the Heyworth Ambulance Service where he served as an EMT/Paramedic. His career continued as a firefighter for Global Fire Service. He also served for a time on the Germantown Hills Fire Dept as a firefighter/paramedic, and was an active member on Eureka Goodfield Ambulance service and Putnam County EMS as a paramedic up until his passing.
In 2014, his career goal was fulfilled when he became a member of the Peoria Fire Dept. Nick quickly became known as a hard-working "rookie" who some referred to as Smiley due to his genuine happiness to be serving on the engines that protect the city of Peoria.
In 2016, Nick turned his life over to God and became a witness to the power and love of Christ. Even through chemo, his Sunday's at Eastview Christian Church and all-church worship nights were of the utmost importance to him.
Nick was a wonderful son, brother, and friend to many. Nick cared for and deeply loved all of his fire brothers and sisters. Above all, though, Nick was a loving and devoted husband and father to his wife and children. When not working, Nick could be found swimming with his boys, napping with his princess, or sharing intentional moments with his wife.
Nick left this earth ready to meet his maker, and be made new with no pain, cancer, or illness. Nick's favorite verse, Joshua 1:9, fit him well. Nick fought a battle on this earth that few can even fathom. He fought with immense strength and courage just as the verse commands, and he credited his faith in God to what carried him through the good and the bad days.
He was an inspiration to many and prayed his journey would lead people to the Kingdom of Heaven. He cherished his family, thoroughly lived to serve others, and could often be found cooking a breakfast that earned him a famous reputation.
His funeral will be at Northwoods Community Church at 10700 N Allen Rd in Peoria on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 10am with brief visitation at 9am. Full visitation will take place at the church from 3-9pm on Tuesday, April 10 with firefighter walkthrough at 7pm. Burial will follow the funeral in Randolph Township Cemetery in Heyworth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with the care and educational expenses of his three young children. Gifts can be made out to "Team Nick Riordan" and left at any CEFCU location or mailed to P.O. Box 1715 Peoria, IL 61656.
Wright & Salmon Mortuary of Peoria and the Peoria Fire Department Honor Guard is in charge of arrangements. Please leave condolences at www.wrightandsalmon.com.