My family and I were very blessed to have known Larry.  He was the very definition of a true gentleman.  One could always feel the love he and Tonia shared when in their presence.  

Gonna miss you my friend!

Larry was a friend to all who crossed his path. He touched hearts with his caring ways, created smiles with his unique humor, and shared his love with family and friends. His comical texts about life, senior moments, or even politics brightened our day. 
My husband and I looked forward to spending a day at Mesilla, NM with Tonia and Larry when they came to El Paso. Larry would wait patiently for hours so that Tonia would enjoy her shopping spree. In the process, Larry would look for a jewelry piece, always thinking of his wife,
to make Tonia’s stay more memorable.
His faith in action was easily visible by his devotion to his church, where he donated his time, talent, and treasure. He will be greatly missed. His memory will be etched in our hearts forever.
We lift Tonia, Lance, and Larry’s family in prayer during this difficult time. As for Larry, he is resting in our Lord’s arms.
Love, Marina and Chuy

I have many fond memories of Larry; he was a wonderful man and had a beautiful caring spirit. At church worship services, Sunday school classes he taught, participating in ministry meetings and activities, breaking bread at a restaurant or in his home with his lovely wife, we shared many great times. Larry was very generous with his time, knowledge and advice. He was never bothered by the amount of time that I spent with his wife, which was often as Tonia and I became close buddies. Yep, he enjoyed throwing people off guard with his humor, followed by a mischievous grin. I recall a couple times Larry made hot sauce and would bless me with a large jar full. Oh boy, every passing day that hot sauce somehow got hotter and hotter, whew! Nevertheless, I never wasted a drop, it was so good. We all know that our time on this earth does not last always. To my dear friend Tonia and to the entire family, I extend my deepest condolences and pray that God comforts you as only He can.  Larry has left his earthly shell, but never from your heart or your memories. 

Larry and Tonia have been our neighbors for almost 20 years. It with with our family’s deepest condolences that we share our heartfelt sympathy with Tonia and family.  We will miss Larry, he was a man of God and a wonderful family man, friend and neighbor.  Our prayers are with the family in this difficult time.  
Much love, Pat, Ira and Vivian 

As a fellow Chief Master Sergeant who worked with Larry at 15th Air Force, March Air Force Base, my wife Nancy and I have known Larry and Tonia since 1985.  And from the very beginning we realized that Larry was a terrific, smart and articulate guy, whose sense of humor was not necessarily what he said or did, but how he got us to react; and react we did.   
An example of Larry’s humor is how a simple action on his part was an attention grabber from several strangers. It was nearing the end of a long day of touring Washington D.C., and the park benches on the Mall were a welcomed respite for us all.  
Soon after we sat down, I noticed several people had gathered around one of the benches, with some taking photographs. Looking a bit closer I realized it was our Larry. Needing something to keep the hot sun off of his head he had crafted a sailor’s “Fore” and “Aft” hat from a newspaper he had picked up off the ground.  After a few minutes of napping, he woke up and noticed the folks staring at him and taking photographs. His reaction – he got up, straightened his paper hat on his head, and walked away. All to the laughter and claps from his audience. And I might add he rejoined our group without saying a word. 
Even though Larry was an independent thinker, we all knew he was guided by the warm heart of his wonderful wife Tonia. Larry and Tonia have had a large impact on our lives.  They’ve added not only fun but a sense of family. God bless you both. 


I miss him already. We vacationed together every two years with the Chiefs, a tight group of Air Force Chiefs who worked together at the 15th Air Force Headquarters until our retirements in the late 1980’s. Five Chiefs and our five faithful wives grew to form a bond that has lasted all these years.

Larry was the one who added humerous quips in nearly all our conversations over the years. I remember one evening he went into a story of an assignment he had years before. When he finished, we all sat there, waiting. He looked at each one with a shrug, and said something like, “You all are a tough crowd!” Then someone added, “What’s the punch line?”  There was no punch line. It was a real story! That may have been one of his funniest moments ever.

It will be difficult gathering without him. But, as a believer, Larry understood that even in death, he had a future. I’m looking forward to that reunion one day when we all call the Kingdom home.  

Larry was a good "compadre".  He was a good man to sit down with and share memories of days gone by.  We will miss his visits when he and Tonia would stop by our home in Tucson, AZ and sit at the kitchen table early in the morning and share pan dulce and hot coffee.   Rest in Peace my friend.
Mando and Betty

Larry  was one of my good and close true friend. Larry was kind, thoughtful and very loving person. I have known Larry  for over 40 years . He was like family and I loved him very much. Whenever you would see him he made you feel so peaceful and warm and had a special glow about him.  He made you fill at peace ,his kindness and love ,was so sincere. Larry was a joy to be around with such a beautiful smile and strong and yet gentle hug. I will truly miss him . I thank God for putting Larry in my life, a true and sincere big brother. I love you , Larry and you will always  be in my heart and in my thoughts.  I know that you are already with our Heavenly Father in  heaven and with my Jesus Christ.  Be at peace and rest . Amen  always your amiga Teresa M Gonzalez 

OBITUARY

CMSGT Lawrence "Larry" Riley, Retired U.S. Air Force

16 November, 1941 – 20 July, 2022

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

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