Earl John Riley

Rotterdam – Earl John Riley, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Earl was born on August 19, 1928, son of the late Stephen and Rose (Meuth) Riley. He attended Draper School and graduated from Schenectady Vocational High School in 1946. After high school, Earl began work at the General Electric Co., and later served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952 during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Mary Pasquariello, whom he married on November 27, 1954. He continued his career at General Electric as a Layout Inspector for Large Steam Turbine in Building 95. After 40 years of service he retired from GE in 1988 and was able to enjoy 30 years of retirement life in a new role – being the best papa to his grandchildren. Earl was predeceased just 20 days prior, on January 11, 2018, by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary (Pasquariello) Riley. In addition to his wife and parents, Earl was predeceased by his two sisters, Marion Eldridge and Ruth LaBonte, and in 2007 by his son, Stephen Jay Riley. Survivors include his two beloved daughters, Marilyn (Steven) Tommasone and Barbara Jean (Frank) Marotta, all of Rotterdam. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Stephanie Tommasone, Brittany (Kevin) Knightes, Valerie Tommasone, Nicholas, Christopher and Justin Marotta. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Olympia Luise of Lynn, MA, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Earl was an active member of the Rotterdam Knights of Columbus for many years. He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church and Our Lady Queen of Peace. Earl will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed being outdoors and working in the yard. He was a fun-loving guy who truly lived the “Life of Riley.” Calling hours will take place on Monday, February 5th from 5 to 7 pm at the DeMarcoStone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue in Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday morning at 9:15am at the funeral home and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10am at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Princetown Road. Entombment will be at St. Cyril and Method Cemetery. Earl’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Schenectady County Hospice, especially his nurse, Meg, for her excellent care and compassion in his final days. Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. '‹Arrangements are by R.J. DeLuccia Funeral Service.