Obituary of Peter Benedict Riley

PETER BENEDICT RILEY Latham- Peter Benedict Riley, 80, beloved husband of Kathleen Kelleher Riley for over 50 years, entered into eternal life on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Peter was the son of the late Francis X. and Margaret (Lane) Riley. Peter attended St. Mary's Academy in Glen Falls, earning the distinction of top student of Warren County at the time. Peter graduated from Christian Brother's Academy, and Siena College, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree. He enlisted in United States Air Force during the Korean War and served in both Germany and France. A loyal public servant, Peter began his career working as a State Veterans Counselor. He then accepted a position as the Director in the Division of Youth, and went on to positions in the Civil Service Department. The majority of his professional career was devoted to Veteran's Education, culminating in his position as Chief of the Bureau of Veteran's Education in the New York State Education Department. Peter also worked in many volunteer organizations throughout his life. He served for a time as President of the Albany Catholic Diocesan School Board. He was also an Eucharistic Minister at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham, as well as Lay Board President and High School Coordinator of the Religious Education Program. Peter had a close relationship with his dear friend and pastor, the late Father John Hardiman, and he assisted him on many church projects over the years. Peter was also a former Vice-President and board member of the University Club, where he enjoyed many dinners and was captain of the bowling team. Peter's world was faith, family, and the August races at Saratoga. As a young man he worked summers in Saratoga, and there he developed his great passion for horseracing and handicapping. At a business conference in Kentucky, he once had the honor of presenting the wreath to the winning thoroughbred and jockey at Churchill Downs, as president of the National Association of State Approving Agencies. However, Peter's proudest accomplishments and happiest moments were as husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his daughters and granddaughters grow up. Always loving, ever loyal, graciously selfless, Peter was a wonderful example of what a husband and father should be. His family will miss him deeply and is so grateful for the great fortune to have had him in their lives. Peter is survived by his two loving daughters, Mary Ellen (Dominick) Mamone and Eileen M. (Harlan) Hall, both of Ballston Lake, six beautiful granddaughters: Alissa K. Clark, Deanna E. Clark, Elizabeth A. Walther, Caroline G. Walther, Samantha N. Mamone, and Courtney M. Mamone. He is also survived by his sister, Betsy Riley of Philadelphia PA, and two brothers, Francis X. Riley of Fredericksburg, VA and Michael P. (Rosalie) Riley of East Greenbush, two brothers-in-law Joseph B. Kelleher and John B. Kelleher of Glens Falls and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 21, 2011 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with Rev. Geoffrey Burke officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Ltd., 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment will be private at Saratoga National Cemetery. Contributions in Peter's memory can be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham, or the Autism Society of New York State. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com