Patrick Riley Obituary

Patrick James Riley

May 11, 1928 - Dec 3, 2023

Queensbury, NY

Patrick James "Pat" Riley, 95, of Queensbury, New York, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at The Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Patrick was born May 11, 1928, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the son of William F. and Gertrude (Wyar) Riley.

He is survived by his son, Timothy Riley and his wife, Kathryn, of Queensbury, New York; daughters, Pamela Riley of Cincinnati, Colleen and her husband, Duane Lakner of Sandusky, and Tracey Riley and her husband, Robert DeBusk of Schuylerville, New York; grandchildren, Aaron Riley of Glens Falls, Cody Lakner and his wife Kaitlin of Sandusky, and Carter and Emma DeBusk of Schuylerville; great-granddaughter, Hailey Lakner of Sandusky; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 44 years, Mary C. (Zema) Riley; brother, Cletus and his wife, Ruth (Burkhardt) of Johnstown; and sisters, Florence and her husband, Tom Williams, and Dorothy and her husband, Kenneth Gillin of Johnstown.

An U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served as an infantry corporal and squad leader in the 88th Division, primarily in Italy. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, as well as the Marksman badge.

After leaving Johnstown in 1959, Pat and his family lived in Sandusky for many years, then moved to Queensbury in 1980. He worked in a variety of settings, including Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, family-owned Steve's Tavern as well as Scott Paper in Sandusky, and retired in 1993 from Scott Paper Company in Fort Edward, New York, where he was a shift supervisor and was honored as Employee of the Year in 1984.

He was a proud lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and was active in the Lake George Post 374, where he and his wife Mary had many treasured friends. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them.

Pat was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. To know him was to love him. He was a true Irishman who lived life to the fullest. Pat would want you to remember him with laughter and a cold pint of beer.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Queensbury.

Visitation for friends and family will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those wishing to make donations may direct them to Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, recognizing the excellent care and compassion provided to Pat by the team at 5 Springs over the past few months.

For those who wish, online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.