Leo Herbert Riley
Send Condolences to the Riley Family
Leo Herbert Riley, age 84, a resident of Washington, NC and formerly of the Bridgeport area, passed away early Wednesday morning, July 19, 2006 in the Focus Care Unit of Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC following an extended illness. He was born May 20, 1922 in Bridgeport, a son of the late Truman Riley and the late Flora Maxwell Riley.
Mr. Riley is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Emma Gertrude Platt Riley; one son Donald Wayne Riley of Bridgeport; a daughter and son-in-law Sue Ann Titus and her husband John of Chocowinity, NC; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one sister Opal Bland of Buckhannon, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Tommy Riley, Ernest Riley and Truman Riley, Jr. and one sister, Beatrice Riley.
Leo was a self-employed homebuilder, who was well known for his many home projects throughout Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Weston, Buckhannon and the surrounding areas. He was a proud veteran of World War II, having served with the United States Army in the 3342nd Truck Battalion as an Engine and Machine Specialist, and the Red Ball Express. His service led him into Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. For his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. His unit was responsible for the transportation of uranium through Germany’s front lines that assisted in the building of the atomic bomb. He also served as the coordinator for his unit’s reunions that he greatly enjoyed attending.
Mr. Riley was a member and Master Mason of the Bridgeport Late Lodge No. 63 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons; the Nemesis Temple of the Shrine in Parkersburg was a member of the Nemesis Lodge’s Oriental Shrine Band for several years. He was an avid fisherman who spent his retirement years on Lake Marian in South Carolina. Leo was also a skilled furniture craftsman who built several pieces of fine quality furniture. He gave many of his family members and friends the furniture pieces he created.
Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport from 5:30 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 26, 2006. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday with Reverend Thomas P. Horne presiding. Interment will follow in the Hepzibah Cemetery, Taylor County, where members of the West Virginia Army National Guard Honor Guard will accord Full Military Honors and members of the Bridgeport Late Lodge No. 63 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons will conduct graveside rites.
