John Bernard Riley Sr.

John Bernard Riley, age 93, of Lakeway, Texas, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with vascular disease. He was born on February 28, 1930, in Jamaica, New York, to the late Margaret Helen (Morrissey) Riley and Eugene Boniface Riley. He was preceded in death by his siblings Eugene B. Riley, Jr., Margaret (Riley) Scimeca, and Mary H. Riley; by his son, Peter J. Riley; and by the mother of his children, Mary Ann Riley. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Carole (Field) Riley, and by his children, John B. (Susan) Riley Jr., Kathleen (Brian) Hernandez, and Mary (Bill) Parker. He is also blessed to have seven cherished grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Prior to embarking upon a 37-year career with Exxon, John earned a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from St. John’s University and Stevens Institute of Technology, respectively, and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering. He also served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 during the Korean War.

From the time he joined Esso Research & Engineering in 1956 as a Research Engineer until his retirement as Vice President, TechPolymers Ventures, in 1993, John’s career took him and his family to several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Louisiana. In 1994, he and his wife Carole retired to Lakeway, Texas, where their leisure time was enhanced by river and ocean cruise adventures, and by RV camping throughout the American West with their beloved golden retriever Finnegan. John played golf well into his eighties and was happy to make his home in Lakeway until his death.

During his 29 years there, John served his community as a Commissioner of Emergency Services District #6 from 1997 to 2003, as a member of the Lakeway City Council from 1997 to 2001, as two-time chair of the city’s Charter Review Committee, and as chair of the Building Committee for Lakeway City Hall. He was a faithful and diligent member of his Emmaus Catholic Parish community as well, serving on the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee, and ushering at weekend Masses for over twenty years.

John had many talents and pursued his career and community goals energetically, but his children were the overriding passion of his life. He and their mother worked tirelessly to raise them with love, provide wise counsel, and make available the resources they needed to achieve personal and professional success in life, with careers as diverse as physician, attorney, C.P.A., and jazz drummer. The fact that all four children have grown up to be persons of integrity will always be a testimonial to the guidance and role models provided by their parents.

Special thanks are due to Dr. Paul A. Tucker, who went the extra mile for over twenty-five years to keep John’s vascular disease at bay and allow him to be active and independent; and to Dr. David Murdy , who was both physician and friend during the last years of John’s life.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Emmaus Catholic Parish, 1718 Lohman’s Crossing Rd., Lakeway, Texas 78734 at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 17th, followed by interment in the parish columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Emmaus Catholic Parish would be appreciated.