Captain Daniel Phillip Riley
Obituary Published 12/19/01 in northeast New York’s Press Republican online
Plattsburgh - Captain Daniel Phillip Riley, U.S. Navy (Retired), of Champlain Drive in CliffHaven, passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Plattsburgh on Aug. 20, 1926, the son of Phillip T. and Katherine (Thorton) Riley.
Dan was a graduate of St. John's Academy Class of 1944.
He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Aviation Cadet Program during his senior year at St. John's and was commissioned all Ensign and received his wings as a Naval Aviator at NAS Pensacola, Fla., on March 28, 1947.
Captain Riley graduated from Tufts University with a degree in international relations and received his Master's Degree from George Washington University. In addition, Captain Riley, was a graduate of the U.S. Navy General Line School in Monterey, Calif., and the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
During his naval career, Captain Riley served with Patrol Squadron Forty at Coco Solo, Panama, Patrol Squadron Seven at Quonset Point, R.I., Patrol Squadron Ten at Brunswick, Maine, and was the Commanding officer of Patrol Squadron SIX, "the Blue Sharks" at Barber's Point, Hawaii. His career also included tours of duty aboard the USS Hornet, at the U.S. Mission, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, at the Armistice Affairs Division of the United Nations Command at Panmunjom, South Korea, and at the Pentagon.
Captain Riley received the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal (Europe), China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Capt. Riley retired from the Navy in October 1970 after 26 years of service.
After retirement from the Navy, Mr. Riley moved back to Plattsburgh with his family and worked as assistant to the chairman of the New York State Power Authority and later became president of the Dock & Coal Marina Company, where he worked with his children for over 10 years.
Dan was very active in his Community serving as president of the St. John's Elementary School Board, on the St. John's parish council, and chaired the St. John's Endowment Fund. In addition, he served on the Board of the North Country Chapter of the American Red Cross, on the Town of Plattsburgh Republican Committee, as beach chair of the Cliff Haven Homeowners Association and was the long time Secretary/Treasurer of the Lake Placid Club Condominium Owners Association.
This past year Mr. Riley received the National Catholic Education Association National Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate Award.
Captain Riley was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Mary Riley and Dorothy Riley.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara (Morris) Riley of Plattsburgh; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Daniel Riley Jr. of Falmouth, Maine, Michael Riley of Plattsburgh and Captain Stephen Riley, U.S. Army and his wife, Becky of Fort Eustis of Newport News, Va.; two daughters and a son-in-law, Katherine Riley of Burlington, Vt., and Sharon and Scott Luck of Essex, Vt.; and four grandchildren, Abigail, Katie and Jack Riley and Riley Luck.