Joseph P. Riley Sr., a 57 year resident of Stoughton, World War II Veteran of the United States Army, and a major contributor to medical science passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was 90 years old and the beloved husband of 59 years to the late Marie L. ( Saulnier ) Riley.
A hero to many in the medical field, specifically in the area of cardiology and with great uncertainty, Mr. Riley at the age of 88 was the first ever recipient of the Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement surgery. Patients and physicians alike have grown to benefit from Joe’s successful surgery and his strong desire to live a very productive lifestyle. A quote from Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield M.D. ( Cardiologist/ Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, MA ) “ He didn’t just want to be alive, but he wanted to “ feel “ alive.
Born on February 28, 1920 in East Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Joseph Patrick Riley and Julia McCarthy. He attended East Boston Public Schools.
Mr. Riley was a Surgical Technician with the 472nd Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion during World War II. He was the proud recipient of several medals and ribbons for his dedicated and faithful service to his country.
After his military duty, Joe was employed as a shipper / receiver at the Boston Fish Pier. He later held the same title working for the former Cardinal Cushing Hospital in Brockton for over 20 years. In his “retirement “ years he held a part – time job as a caretaker at St. Sussana’s Church in Dedham.
Joe was a faithful communicant and attended religious services on a regular basis at the chapel located in the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton.
He was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed the New England Patriots and was also a New York Yankees fan. Joe was a dedicated family man and had the honor and enjoyment of celebrating his 90 th birthday party with family and friends on February 28, 2010. He also loved to dine out, “tinker” with various items around the house, and indulged in an occasional lottery ticket or two. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity of knowing him.
He is survived by his children: Barbara Killgoar and her husband Paul of Michigan, Jean Cassidy and her husband Brian from Bridgewater, Joseph P. Riley Jr. and Beverly Gillette of Sandwich, Kevin Riley of East Bridgewater, and Paul Riley and his wife Denise of Halifax. He is also survived by his sister Betty Dyke of Bradenton, Florida, his 11 grandchildren and 3 great - grandchildren. He was also a brother to the late Mary Riley.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, from 4 – 7 P.M. in the Sheehan Funeral Home, 115 Monk Street, Stoughton. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at 9 A.M. from the Sheehan Funeral Home followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 A.M. in St. James Church, 560 Page Street, Stoughton with Fr. Richard W. Visbisky, officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Stoughton. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of one’s choice in Joe’s memory, would be appreciated.