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March 15, 2019Gerald Dennis Riley
1927 – 2019
Gerald Riley, 91, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2019. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 8, 1927, to Francis and Marion Riley. Gerald was a long-time resident of Michigan and moved to Tucson in the mid-1970s.Gerald was married to Edna Louise Riley and Phyllis Riley, both of whom are deceased. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Marion Riley; daughter Gail Riley; and siblings Rita Riley, Raymond Riley, and Arlene Riley. He is survived by his children Michael Riley from Arizona; Patrick Riley (Patty) from Georgia; Coleen Woodard from Michigan; Kris Riley (Shannon) from California; brother John Riley from Florida; and sister Maureen Riley from Florida, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gerald also leaves behind his best friend, Shirley Gibbons, who was also his long-time significant other. They cherished each other’s companionship for well over half a century. He had many hobbies including being a creator and inventor. If he didn’t have a tool, he would make one. Gerald loved being outdoors and tinkering in his garage. He was a Master Electrician for 65 years and ran an electrical contracting company with his brother, John Riley, who retired from Raytheon and was a pilot. Gerald served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and received a World War II victory medal.
Gerald was always active; he was not one to sit around and liked to be working on something. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. A funeral Mass and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 W. Tangerine Road, Oro Valley, AZ.
