John G. Riley, Sr. Obituary (1919 - 2017)

John G. "Jack" Riley, Sr., age 97, of Harborcreek, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at home, on Monday, May 1, 2017, following a brief illness. He was born in Erie on December 29, 1919, a son of the late John H. and Anna (Gruza) Riley. Riley was a 1939 graduate of Harbor Creek High School. He was a WW II veteran having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. where he attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Before and after the war, he was employed by the General Electric Co. and retired from there with over 40 years of service. He was a member of the G.E. Quarter Century Club and Retiree's Assoc. Riley was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church where he faithfully attended and served at the daily Mass for many years. He loved spending time at his camp in Tidioute and was an avid hunter. Riley was also a N.Y. Yankees fan, enjoyed bonfires with his family at 20-Mile, loved chocolate and ice cream and was especially proud of his Irish heritage. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Riley, one sister, Phoebe "Honey" Riley and one nephew, Kevin Riley. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Wilma J. (Nicholson) Goard Riley; four children: John G. Riley, Jr. (Connie) of Harborcreek, Matthew Riley (Sharon) of Harborcreek, Margaret Goard of Lawrence Park and James Goard (Linda) of Wesleyville; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Full military honors will be rendered following the Mass. Riley will be laid to rest privately at St. Gregory Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek, PA 16421 or to VNA of Erie County, 2253 W. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16506.