Ray was born Jan. 19, 1931 to John and Anna (Mihook) Riley, who preceded him in death as well as his brothers James, Michael, Charles and John Riley; sisters Dorothy Pearson, Frances Spencer and Joan Butler; and three siblings who died in infancy. He is survived by his brother William "Lenny" Riley and brother-in-law Ed Butler.
Ray is also survived by Barbara Gallagher, the love of his life, whom he married on Aug. 5, 1961 at Little Flower Church. The pair enjoyed 62 years together, with five children: John (Juliette) Riley, Cindy (Joe) Rosswurm, Jeanne Watson, Dan (Barb) Riley and Ann Marie (Tim) Goedde; as well as grandchildren: Raymond (Quaheem) Brown-Riley, Denni and Jeffery Riley; Brian (Nikki) Rosswurm, Dana (Josh) Mullins, Kelsey (Andrew) Blackburn and Michael Rosswurm; Isaac, Jacob and Emily Watson; Josh and Annabelle Riley; and Daniel and Joseph Goedde; and great-grandchildren: Lorelei & Landon Rosswurm and Alice Santos; and Hadley, Brandt and Graham Mullins. He is also survived by beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
After serving stateside during the Korean War with the U.S. Marine Corps, Ray was called by Tony Hinkle to play football, baseball and basketball at Butler University from 1954-1957 while earning his degree in biology. He went further to gain a master's degree studying at Humbolt State University and Boston College University.
Always dedicated to their careers in education, their commitment to the Catholic church and their support of Indianapolis' east side, Ray and Barbara were active within local school systems and the Holy Spirit parish over the years. Ray served in many capacities such as chairman of the East Deanery Board; teacher, administrator and coach at Howe, Shortridge and Arlington high schools and Creston Junior High. He was particularly proud of his 12-year tenure as principal of Scecina Memorial High School, from which all his children graduated.
All five children were able to be with Ray and Barbara during his last moments, sharing stories, memories and laughter with their goodbyes.
Visitation will be held Fri., Jan. 12, from 4-8 p.m. at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, 1307 N. Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis; with a funeral mass on Sat., Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at Little Flower Church, 4720 E. 13th St., Indianapolis. The funeral mass will be streamed live on Little Flower Catholic Church and School's Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ray Riley Academic Endowment through the Scecina Memorial High School Office of Development.
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