Obituary of John J. Riley

On Sunday, October 2, John Riley, a beloved husband of the late Janet (Mckeever) Riley and loving father to his four sons passed away peacefully with his family around him. John was 95 years old. 

John or “Bumper” as he was referred to by his family and friends was born in White Plains NY on February 17, 1927, to the late William Riley and Mary McQuinn Riley. He moved to Lake Mahopac when he was a baby. He was a graduate of Mahopac High School, Class of 1945. While in high school he enjoyed sports and varsity lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. 

After John graduated, he entered the United States Army and did a tour in the Panama Canal Zone. John served 4 years of honorable service with the Army. Upon returning from the Army John attended Bergen Junior College in New Jersey for 2 years and then transferred to City College of New York. On September 15, 1951, he married the love of his life Janet Mckeever in the Assumption Church. In 1952 John went to work for General Motors in Tarrytown working in Labor Relations for 30 years and retired in 1982. 

He was happiest when spending time with family and friends. He loved watching Notre Dame. He was the kindest man and was always there for everyone. He always had a smile on his face and when asked how he was, would always reply "never been better” even right up until his last days. He was loved by everyone! 

John will be greatly missed by his four sons and their wives. John Jr and his wife Beth of Montrose NY, Francis and his wife Kathy of Wilmington, NC, Kevin and his wife Patricia of Peekskill, NY and Robert and his wife Lisa, of Poughkeepsie, NY. John has 8 grandchildren, Keith & Katherine Riley of Nashville TN, Danny & Dana Riley of New Mexico, Colleen & Matt Howard of Wilmington, NC, Brianna & Shane Riley of Poughkeepsie, NY. John also had 3 great-grandchildren Ava and Alana Howard and Cambria Riley. 

In 1963 John was one of the first founders of the Peekskill Little League. He was the first secretary, a position he held for many years. In addition to that, he managed many teams. In honor of his hard work and dedication, the league named the Pee Wee Division after him. 

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Assumption 920, 1st street, Peekskill, NY on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 10:00am.

Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's memory to the charity of your choice.