JONESPORT – John J. Riley, 85, passed away peacefully April 19, 2004, at a Machias hea-lthcare facility. He was born May 31, 1918, at Cherryfield, the son of Daniel and Sarah (Tucker) Riley. John graduated from Cherryfield Academy at age 15, as well as the Maine School of Commerce in Bangor. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 10, 1940, and served throughout the war in Patton’s Army in Europe, being discharged with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in December 1945. On July 27, 1946, he married Arline Rogers of Jonesport. He was employed by Merrill Trust Bank for 33 years, retiring as manager of the Jonesport branch. John was an active member of his community. He was a member of and leader of the Jonesport Town Band, playing clarinet and saxophone. He had served as a Boy Scout leader, as vice president of Greenwood Cemetery Association, vice president of Peabody Memorial Library Association, a school committee member, former president of the Jonesport Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in establishing the Jonesport Marina. He was a member of the Jonesport Lodge No. 188 A.F. & A.M. and he was a 32nd degree Mason as well as a member of the Anah Temple Shrine. John was a faithful attendee of the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arline (Rogers) Riley; a sister, Elvina Collins and husband, Harry, of Kittery, and their son, Samuel and wife, Meg; a special niece, Rebecca and husband, Ralph, of Washington State; a nephew, Russell and wife, Jane, of Pennsylvania, and their daughter, Stephanie; cousins, Edna Coffin and Walter Tucker. He was predeceased by his parents; and a nephew, Daniel Collins. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, Jonesport, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2004, with Pastor George Woodward officiating. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Peabody Memorial Library Association, care of Wendy Beal, Treasurer, P.O. Box 310, Jonesport, ME 04649. Arrangements are in the care of Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, Machias.
JOHN J. RILEY
