Richard Riley, age 91, passed away on September 11, 2019 at St. Lukes Hospital, New Bedford, MA after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in New Bedford, Richard was the son of the late Edward and Louise Riley and was pre-deceased by his wife Rosemary of 66 years. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Textile Chemistry after attending New Bedford Textile School, Columbia University and City College of New York University. He was a chemist employed by Goodrich Company in Ohio and Stevenson, USA in Rhode Island.
In 1953, Richard married his loving wife Rosemary Sullivan and travelled with her to Italy while he served as Lt. JG in the US Navy. Upon returning to the states they lived in Ohio, New Jersey, New Bedford and Rochester, MA, before settling in Fairhaven.
Together with his family, they owned and operated The Sweater Shop, Whalerknits and Dyl-Chem, Inc. in New Bedford for many years. His family and colleagues considered him an entrepreneur in his technical field of textile chemistry.
He was a communicant of St. Lawrence Martyr Church. Richard was a longtime member of the New Bedford Country Club and participated in many Round A Day August Four Ball tournaments. He was an avid Boston Sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the New England Patriots. He enjoyed picnics at the beach with his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. He will always be remembered as a quiet and gentle man with a witty sense of humor, genuine friend, adoring husband, loving father and grandfather.
He is survived by his sister, Janet Demanche of Dartmouth and his children, Richard E. Riley, Jr., Kathleen Lopes, Susan Frigault, Peg Riley and Jonathan Arena, Patricia Grime and husband Tom, Maureen Baptista and husband Stephan, Elizabeth Mello and husband Andy; and eight grandchildren, Jessie Riley, Dr. Matthew Frigault, Laura Frigault, Andrew Frigault, Tommy Grime, Patrick Grime, Bridgette Grime and Daniel Mello.
Services provided by Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visiting hours are omitted. A Funeral Mass for all friends and family will be held at St. Lawrence Martyr Church, New Bedford on Tuesday September 17th at 10 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please perform an act of kindness for someone in need in memory of our Dad. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.