John Daniel Riley

John Daniel Riley, 82, of Cranston passed away on February 16, 2024. He was the husband of Maureen (Neville) Riley to whom he was married for 49 years. He leaves one son, John A. Riley of Washington, D.C.

Born in Providence, R.I. on April 12, 1941, John was the son of the late Herbert A. Riley and Margaret T. (McDevitt) Riley. While attending La Salle Academy, he was a member of the varsity tennis team and coached the Assumption Grammar School boys’ basketball team. During that time, he organized the Assumption Grammar School girls’ championship cheerleading team.

Following his graduation from LaSalle, John joined the Christian Brothers and served in the religious order for ten years. He received a BA from Catholic University of America, where he was awarded membership in Pi Gamma Mu, the National Social Sciences Honor Society. He received an NDEA Summer Grant for study at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, a Certificate in Microcomputer Applications from Providence College and an MBA in Public Management from Bryant College.

John taught for a total of 34 years, at De La Salle Academy in Newport; North Smithfield High School and Davies Career and Technical High School. At De La Salle, he served as JV Baseball Coach and the Director of the Glee Club. John served as Administrative Assistant to Congressman Edward P. Beard for six years and Special Assistant to Congressman Fernand St. Germain for four years.

John's funeral will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 8:45 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. Calling hours will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m on Friday, February 23. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1994 Pawtucket, R.I. 02862 would be appreciated.