John Riley
John Francis Riley, of Enfield, passed from this life, February 27, 2011. Born December 3, 1920 he was the eldest son of Jeremiah F. and Mary F. (Clifford) Riley. Johnny was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Irene Ellen (McNulty) and his two sons John Francis, Jr. and John Edward “Chipper Riley. He was also predeceased by his two brothers, Clifford and Peter both of Enfield and his sister Theresa of Groton, CT. He was a lifelong resident of the Thompsonville section of Enfield, CT and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church. Johnny was an outstanding amateur boxer, garnering a coveted Silver Mittens championship in the late thirties. He fought several main events at the old Valley Arena in Holyoke, MA. Johnny was widely regarded as the best boxer to ever come out of Enfield, training for a time in the same stable as James J. Braddock in NYC. He entered the Navy just days after Pearl Harbor and served on the U.S.S. Wichita until his honorable discharge in 1945. Johnny was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Knights of Columbus, Council 50 in Enfield, after serving as a member all of his adult life. As President of the building committee he oversaw and was responsible for much of the growth at the current site on Washington Rd. including the Henry Mercik pavilion. Johnny leaves behind his son Patrick and his wife Annemarie of Agawam, MA along with his four grandchildren, Jack of Breckenridge CO, Brian and his wife Cheryl of Gilbert, AZ, Shaylene and Nathan of Agawam, MA and his great granddaughter, Teagan also of Gilbert, AZ. Johnny’s grandchildren always held a special place in his heart and he in theirs. They will miss him dearly. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield, CT. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11:30 AM prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in St. Patrick King St. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Palmer House Family Council, 250 Shearer St. Palmer, MA 01069Obituary
John Francis Riley, of Enfield, passed from this life, February 27, 2011. Born December 3, 1920 he was the eldest son of Jeremiah F. and Mary F. (Clifford) Riley. Johnny was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Irene Ellen (McNulty) and his two sons John Francis, Jr. and John Edward “Chipper Riley. He was also predeceased by his two brothers, Clifford and Peter both of Enfield and his sister Theresa of Groton, CT. He was a lifelong resident of the Thompsonville section of Enfield, CT and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church. Johnny was an outstanding amateur boxer, garnering a coveted Silver Mittens championship in the late thirties. He fought several main events at the old Valley Arena in Holyoke, MA. Johnny was widely regarded as the best boxer to ever come out of Enfield, training for a time in the same stable as James J. Braddock in NYC. He entered the Navy just days after Pearl Harbor and served on the U.S.S. Wichita until his honorable discharge in 1945. Johnny was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Knights of Columbus, Council 50 in Enfield, after serving as a member all of his adult life. As President of the building committee he oversaw and was responsible for much of the growth at the current site on Washington Rd. including the Henry Mercik pavilion. Johnny leaves behind his son Patrick and his wife Annemarie of Agawam, MA along with his four grandchildren, Jack of Breckenridge CO, Brian and his wife Cheryl of Gilbert, AZ, Shaylene and Nathan of Agawam, MA and his great granddaughter, Teagan also of Gilbert, AZ. Johnny’s grandchildren always held a special place in his heart and he in theirs. They will miss him dearly. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield, CT. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11:30 AM prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in St. Patrick King St. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Palmer House Family Council, 250 Shearer St. Palmer, MA 01069
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11:30 AM
Enfield, CT 06082
09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Enfield, CT 06082