John L. Riley

John L. Riley, 88, of Van Wert died Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Vancrest Healthcare Center in Van Wert.  He was born on February 18, 1934 in Findlay, Ohio to the late Lee & Gertrude (Ridenour) Riley. On September 28, 1952 he married the love of his life, Jacqueline L. Feeney who preceded him in death on March 17, 2019.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Laura Kantner) Riley of Spencerville, Ohio, Robert (Stephanie Hartage) Riley of Jackson, Michigan, Cheryl Jerome and Connie (Kelly) Kreischer of Van Wert. 9 grandchildren: Nicole Jerome, Rachell Baker, Bob Baker, Leah (Libby) Shartzer, Mike Kreischer, Sean Riley, Matt Kantner, Patricia Riley, Mahrya Riley, great grandchildren, Samantha Shartzer, Isabel Thrasher, Liam Shartzer, Trey Elam, Reagan Baker, Mekhi Jerome, Avery Jerome, Ryley Baker, Maclain Baker, Olivia Riley, Lottie Shartzer, Amelia and Nora Kreischer, Blaire Shartzer, Lola Riley, Liridyn Shartzer, Jacob Riley, Blake Riley, Briella Kantner, Naomi, Nadia, Nova Drury, Hyden Tucker, Jackson Tucker and a great great grandchild, Hazel Thrasher. Also surviving are a sister in law, Ann (Feeney) Schumm along with several nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Riley, a daughter, Patricia Riley, grandchildren Ryan Riley and Justine Jerome and a great grandchild, Bently Kantner.

John was in the U. S. Army for 20 years where he and his family traveled across the United States and abroad serving his country.  After retiring from the Army as a Sgt. First Class John went to work for the Van Wert City Schools where he became known as "Mr. Riley" to all the children that passed through the halls of Washington Elementary School.  He retired from the school system in 1999.

He was a Life Member of VFW Post 6772 in Spencerville, Ohio and a Life Member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.  He was also a member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1320 and Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday , June 17, 2022 in Brickner Funeral Home .Burial in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery will follow the service.  The family will receive visitors in the funeral home on Thursday, June 16,  2022 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Friday 2 hours prior to the service.

Grave side Military Services will be conducted by Spencerville VFW Post 6772.