William J.M. Riley

William J.M. Riley, 86, of Hamden, CT died peacefully on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was the husband of Romola Ann (Rucci) Riley. William was born in Elmira, NY on September 17, 1937, to the late William J. Riley and Mary Virginia (Santone) Riley. William was predeceased by his sister Mary Virginia Pabis.

Bill, as everyone called him graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1955. He attended Alfred University in Alfred, New York where he majored in business, ran the dining hall and managed the track and field team. Bill graduated in 1964 with a degree in Economics and Business Administration. Bill was very proud and honored to have served in the Army National Guard.

He married Romola Ann Rucci on August 8, 1964 and moved to Connecticut. Bill was the proud and loving father of Deborah and her husband Noel Gibilaro of North Branford, Suzanne and her husband Christopher Powell of North Haven and Christopher Riley and his partner Megan Groleau of Hamden. He loved and cherished his grandchildren Ariel (Gibilaro) Fortenberry and Ryan Fortenberry of Edmond, OK, Cheyenne Gibilaro of North Branford, Riley and Tanner Powell of North Haven, and his great-granddaughter Aliyah Rose Fortenberry. Uncle Bill is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Along with his dedication to his wife Romola, Bill could be found supporting his grandchildren at numerous concerts, art shows, parades, and countless sporting events. Bill was an avid sports fan of The New Haven Nighthawks, NY Mets, UCONN Basketball, University of Notre Dame Football, and especially his beloved Green Bay Packers. He rarely was seen without his signature Packers ball cap and jacket. Bill was a lover of dogs and giving out $2 bills.

The Riley’s lived in the Spring Glen section of Hamden for over 40 years. They were long-time parishioners of St. Rita Church. Bill was a member of the Elk’s Club Lodge #25, New Haven, served on the Board of Governors at The High Lane Club and the Hamden/North Haven YMCA. Bill was the Chairman of the Hamden Board of Education. Once Bill and Romola moved to Charlton Hill, he became active in the community and served as President of the homeowners association.

Over his long career as a salesman, Bill worked for JC Penny, IBM, Stone School of Business, The New Haven Register, F&S Oil and Paraco Oil. For over ten years after his retirement, Bill volunteered at the Keefe Center in Hamden for the Hamden Food Bank. When his in person volunteer days ended, Bill continued to contribute to the food bank by recycling cans and bottles, and sending the proceeds to help others in need. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hamden Food Bank at the Keefe Center, 11 Pine Street, Hamden, CT 06514.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Elim Park in Cheshire and Connecticut Hospice.

Bill’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, August 31st from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Burying Ground in Hamden. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com

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