John F. Riley Sr.

John Francis Riley (Jack) passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 92. John was born March 15, 1933, in New Haven, CT to William Joseph Riley and MaryAnn Powers. He was married to Marguerite Connelly at Sacred Heart in New Haven on October 23,1954. He is survived by his son, John Francis Riley Jr. (Pam) and his daughters Mary Beth Riley Reynolds (Kenney), and Eileen Riley Simon (Steven). John also leaves behind his eight grandchildren, Lauren Romanoff Brown (Tyler), Daniel Romanoff (Leah), Tess, Olivia and Hope Riley and Michael, Jack and Patrick Simon. He also has a great granddaughter, Riley Romanoff. He is survived by his brother-in-law Robert Connelly and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Michael and his 6 older siblings. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marguerite of 62 years in 2016. He graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School in 1947 and Saint Mary's High School in 1951. He was employed by the New Haven Water Company before and after he joined the United States Army in 1952. Mr. Riley trained with the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky and served with the Fifth Regimental Combat Team in Korea. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korea Service Medal with one Bronze Campaign Star, U.N. Service Medal and Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He was a graduate of Quinnipiac University and earned a master’s degree from Fordham University. He also completed the United States Parole and Probation Program. After leaving the Water Company in 1965, where he served as acting President of the Union, he was employed as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the State of Connecticut. He became Supervisor of Probation Services for the Connecticut Judicial System until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Riley was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Russell Council 65, where he was the financial secretary during the 1960's. He was also a member of the Hamden Elks, the American Legion, Irish American Community Center and the Civil War Round Table. John will be remembered for his sense of humor, his amazing memory and his love of reading and history. John had a story for every occasion and loved to entertain others with anecdotes from his long life. His family would like to extend their gratitude to his caretakers at the Landing in North Haven, especially Rabin. Also, a huge thank you to all the Hospice of Connecticut’s staff for their support in his final days, with sincere appreciation to Alicia and Jennifer. Funeral from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Saturday, June 7th. at 10:30 AM, Mass of Christian burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11AM. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the mass on Saturday morning from 9:30 – 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT. 06405.

John F. Riley Sr.

March 15, 1933 - May 28, 2025