Joseph Thomas Riall Jr.

Joe was a man that truly lived life on his terms! Born to Joseph Riall Sr. and Esther (Sanford), alongside a sister Deborah (North Carolina) and a brother Scott. He grew up in Ledyard, CT. Riding dirt bikes and working alongside his Dad and Uncle with the Angelico family vending business. He had long hair at a time it was still considered taboo and unacceptable. A graduate from Ledyard High in 1975, he thumbed to California with nothing, his stories of his adventures always bringing a smile! He worked at several places like Holdridges, and Steak Loft before getting put into Babe’s Cafe in Norwich, CT- his father’s bar, to run it at 21. His glory days for sure! He went on to meet the love of his life Linda Sautter, marrying her on March 24, 1979. Along with his stepson Gary Smith, he and Linda created a family together and soon had two children, Joseph and Angelina. From Canterbury, Ct to different towns in Florida, and even Southport N.C., he made a name for himself as a carpenter. He could build anything.

His family wound up back in Ledyard, CT in 1990. Where he again started a cafe in Gales Ferry, CT called Riall’s Wharf, with his wife, his parents, and his stepson Gary. He went on to work as a lobsterman, and finally Gales Ferry Marina. He loved to be on the water. The day trips he and his wife Linda would take on his little boat “Sharky” to Fishers Island being some of his fondest memories. He later built all the bridges at the New London County 4-H Camp in Franklin. He was at his happiest there. Being able to wave to his grandsons Silas and Max.

His true pride and joy was being a grandfather. Gary had four children with his fiancé Mandi Kinney; Isa, Alanna, Ava, and Lachlan of Brooklyn, CT. Joey had two children with Meagan (Pijanowski)Hurtt; Lucas and Isabel of Arizona, also a daughter NouVelle in California. And Angelina had two sons, Silas and Maxin , of Salem, CT. He was so proud to tell people he was a grandfather of so many!

Joe had moved to Acorn Acres of Bozrah, CT in 2013. Here he was finally “home”. The small community became his family. Here he was able to provide a safe and second home to his daughter Angelina and his grandsons Silas and Max as well. From April through November, every single day, he was with them.

He and his Mad Max were able to accomplish one of his dreams, to build a Harley motorcycle. They did it together, and were able to have two years of riding adventures. The whole little community pulling together to help him accomplish this.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, his brother, his wife and his son.

The rest of us will continue to rock on, smiling in the sun, smiling in his memory, laughing while reminiscing about all his tales, and enjoying the camp life knowing he’s still there with us.

He never turned his back to a fight, and he surely fought up to the very end.

Death comes for us all, all we can do is smile back.

“Raise hell and ride free”.

Astrovia!

Burial will be private, however, “Dad’s Rad Life Party” will be planned for opening of camp season. in lieu of flowers please send donations to his daughter Angelina Fischer at 296 Witch Meadow Rd, Salem CT 06420, to help his grandsons continue to enjoy his campsite for the coming season.