Obituary of Richard "Dick" Riley

Richard "Dick" Riley, age 85, passed away suddenly on September 27, 2018. He was the loving father of Richard O'Brien, James O'Brien and Eileen Law (with his first wife Eileen O'Brien) and Kirsten Pantalena (with his second wife Adele Knudsen Riley who predeceased him in 2003). He was the fond father in law of Laura O'Brien and Peter Pantalena. He was the dear grandfather of Eileen Resto, Michael Law, Nicole O'Brien, Daniel O'Brien, Kevin O'Brien, Brittany Flores, Genevieve O'Brien, Devlin Law, Ryan O'Brien, Riley Pantalena and Dahlia Pantalena. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and his companion Arlene Cutler. Dick was a native Staten Islander who was born in Richmond Memorial Hospital on January 27, 1933. He graduated from Tottenville High School and then served in the Navy from 1952 – 1956 on the U.S.S. Midway. After serving his country honorably, he continued to serve his community working for the FDNY for 32 years. He worked most of his career in the Tottenville Firehouse Engine 151 Ladder 76. He retired in 1989. He was an active member of the Reformed Church of Huguenot Park participating as a member of the Bell Choir. He was deeply involved in his community as a member of the American Legion for 55 years, Huguenot Lodge F & AM 381 and the South Shore Swim Club. He was a member and past president of the S.I. Ski Club, enjoying many memorable events and ski trips with his friends. He valued his time in the FDNY and was a proud member of the FDNY Vikings as well as a member of the Fire Department Retirees – Staten Island Division. Dick's hobbies included skiing, gardening, travelling and golfing. He will be remembered as a funny, kind and generous man who was always there for others. He was truly a wonderful man that will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure to know him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Reformed Church of Huguenot Park in Dick's Memory. Funeral from Bedell Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Road, in Tottenville on Wednesday, friends arriving at 9:45 AM, departing at 10:15 AM. A Funeral Service will be celebrated in The Reformed Church of Huguenot Park, 5475 Amboy Road at 11:00 AM. A private cremation will follow. Family and friends may visit on Monday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.