William A Riley
October 08, 1934 - May 14, 2020
Visitation: Due to the restrictions related to the current pandemic, services and interment will be private. A memorial mass at St Teresa of Avila Church and a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date when we can safely be together.
Age 85, on Thursday, May 14, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Beloved husband of the late Carole M. (Morgenstern) Riley; devoted father to Kelly Stewart (Todd) and Mark Riley (Deirdre); cherished grandfather of Evan, Jordan, Shane, Emma, and Fiona; brother of the late Rose Marie Matela, James Riley (Georgia), Elaine Kostishack (Dan), the late Grace Brown, the late Patrick Riley (Joan), and Lynda Brown. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bill was a retired high school teacher and coach as well as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Most of all, Bill was a dear friend to anyone who knew him. Bill spent his entire life helping others. His family sincerely appreciates all of the words of kindness and comfort received from so many of those touched by his life. His family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Hospice for all of their help in caring for Bill near the end of his life. Due to the restrictions related to the current pandemic, services and interment will be private. A memorial mass at St Teresa of Avila Church and a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date when we can safely be together. Gifts (in Bill’s memory) may be made to any charity or cause that is closest to your heart.
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My brother Bill was much more determined and had an inner intensity than he usually exhibited in in his usual quiet demeanor. One example among many, my mother permitted him to go to the Marine recruiting office thinking he would be rejected due to his 5’5” height. With the country in the mist of the Korean War he was immediately accepted, having passed the colored blind test, by memorizing the eye chart answers from listening to the fellow recruit in front of him. He successfully completed the grueling basic training at Camp Lejeune, observed the devastation of the war in Korea, and spent two tours of duty in the Mediterranean Sea. Returning, after 4 years of service he worked at the USPS full time and at the same time graduated, with honors, in Pre-law from Duquesne University and still found time for an active social life.
Whenever others had problems that seemed devastating to them, in the moment, he would invariably say “It’s all going to be alright” and he would help them to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He helped me at a few crucial times in my life, especially in keeping me going in my college career when I was about to go in a less desirable direction.
In the last few months he knew, before others, that he faced an unsuccessful battle with cancer but he did it bravely and in the peace that, with his faith, he would find the light at the end of this tunnel of life and be re-united with his loved ones.
Mr. Riley was one of my favorite teachers at Richland High School. Such a nice man. One moment I will remember is when myself and 3 friends missed his class while rehearsing for a concert. We got back in his good graces by interrupting class and singing “My Wild Irish Rose”, barbershop style. He laughed and “conducted” while we sang. That’s how I remember his big heart.
The neighborhood will miss Bill. He was always so friendly. And we will miss seeing him at St Teresa 11 am mass on Sundays. His pain is over. God bless him as he joins Carol in peace. Our condolences to the whole family.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a good friend, great coach, and all around good person. God bless.
I met Bill when I started at PRHS. By then, he had retired and was subbing. I know he was in my room several times over the years. Such a nice man! He was always to nice to me when I would see him in the halls. He will be missed!