John A. RILEY, 72, of Wellsville, NY, died peacefully Friday, December 9, 2022 in his home surrounded by his family. Born May 17, 1950, in Wellsville, he was the son of Thomas D. and Arlene Woodcock Riley. On March 14, 1970, in the Shongo Methodist Church, he married the former Dawn M. Richardson, who predeceased him on August 4, 2016.
A 1968 graduate of Wellsville High School and a 1975 graduate of Alfred State, he served honorably with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1970 – 1974. He was employed by Arnoy & Dye and Dresser-Rand in Wellsville for 29 years, retiring in 2016. John was a life member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, where he was a member of the honor guard, Past Commander, Past County Commander, and a personal aide to the State Commander. He was also a member of AMVETS Post #1, auxiliary member of Frank B. Church VFW Post #2530, and a life member of Emerald Hook & Ladder Company.
Surviving are: two daughters, Ann Grossman of Wendell, NC and Debra Riley of Wellsville; six grandchildren, Justin, Brittany, Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Cameron, and Zackary; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janice Riley and Mary Lou (Robert) Willetts, both of Wellsville; a brother, Edward (Darlene) Riley of Wellsville; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by a great-grandson, Caesen.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, December 19, 2022 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, with military rites accorded by members of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702. A luncheon will follow at the Wellsville American Legion. Memorials may be made to Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, (memo line—Honor Guard), 23 Jefferson St., Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
