Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Mary Ellen (McGuiness) Riley. John was also the grandson of the late John P. Riley, Medal of Honor recipient who served in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War and for whom Riley Plaza in Salem is named. Raised and educated in Salem, John was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1957, where he excelled at both football and baseball.
An honorably discharged veteran, John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal, receiving a commendation for outstanding performance of duty for his heroism during a dangerous and hazardous rescue endeavor.
A lifelong resident of Salem, John dedicated his life to the city he loved serving as a firefighter for 37 years until the time of his retirement in 2003. He also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Court Officer and Deputy Sheriff for Essex County.
John shared many proud moments with his family, especially his grandchildren, but one of the proudest moments was when his oldest grandson, Ryan Riley, followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter for the City of Salem in 2014.
Known by friends and family as "Smiley Riley," John was always there for others, whether to give a kind word, valuable advice or simply to share his huge smile to show his support and encouragement. John was the "go to" person whenever someone was in need, no matter how big or small, and people could always count on him even in a moment's notice. One of John's greatest joys was making people's lives easier, and he did it humbly.
An honorably discharged veteran, John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal, receiving a commendation for outstanding performance of duty for his heroism during a dangerous and hazardous rescue endeavor.
A lifelong resident of Salem, John dedicated his life to the city he loved serving as a firefighter for 37 years until the time of his retirement in 2003. He also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Court Officer and Deputy Sheriff for Essex County.
John shared many proud moments with his family, especially his grandchildren, but one of the proudest moments was when his oldest grandson, Ryan Riley, followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter for the City of Salem in 2014.
Known by friends and family as "Smiley Riley," John was always there for others, whether to give a kind word, valuable advice or simply to share his huge smile to show his support and encouragement. John was the "go to" person whenever someone was in need, no matter how big or small, and people could always count on him even in a moment's notice. One of John's greatest joys was making people's lives easier, and he did it humbly.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Mary Ellen (McGuiness) Riley. John was also the grandson of the late John P. Riley, Medal of Honor recipient who served in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War and for whom Riley Plaza in Salem is named. Raised and educated in Salem, John was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1957, where he excelled at both football and baseball.
An honorably discharged veteran, John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal, receiving a commendation for outstanding performance of duty for his heroism during a dangerous and hazardous rescue endeavor.
A lifelong resident of Salem, John dedicated his life to the city he loved serving as a firefighter for 37 years until the time of his retirement in 2003. He also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Court Officer and Deputy Sheriff for Essex County.
John shared many proud moments with his family, especially his grandchildren, but one of the proudest moments was when his oldest grandson, Ryan Riley, followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter for the City of Salem in 2014.
Known by friends and family as "Smiley Riley," John was always there for others, whether to give a kind word, valuable advice or simply to share his huge smile to show his support and encouragement. John was the "go to" person whenever someone was in need, no matter how big or small, and people could always count on him even in a moment's notice. One of John's greatest joys was making people's lives easier, and he did it humbly.
An honorably discharged veteran, John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal, receiving a commendation for outstanding performance of duty for his heroism during a dangerous and hazardous rescue endeavor.
A lifelong resident of Salem, John dedicated his life to the city he loved serving as a firefighter for 37 years until the time of his retirement in 2003. He also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Court Officer and Deputy Sheriff for Essex County.
John shared many proud moments with his family, especially his grandchildren, but one of the proudest moments was when his oldest grandson, Ryan Riley, followed in his footsteps and became a firefighter for the City of Salem in 2014.
Known by friends and family as "Smiley Riley," John was always there for others, whether to give a kind word, valuable advice or simply to share his huge smile to show his support and encouragement. John was the "go to" person whenever someone was in need, no matter how big or small, and people could always count on him even in a moment's notice. One of John's greatest joys was making people's lives easier, and he did it humbly.
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