World War II History

Jack Riley
June 26, 2008 – Pike Press

Jack Riley, 84, of Champaign died Monday, June 16, 2008, at Windsor of Savoy retirement facility.

Mr. Riley was a Navy pilot for 27 years and served in both World War II and the Korean War. During his military service, Mr. Riley was awarded the Air Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Victory Medal WW II, Navy Occupation Service Medal – Pacific, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He also received a B.S. and M.A. from USC, M.A. from University of Michigan, and PhD from University of Illinois. He later worked for the University of Illinois for 16 years. He was an active member of St. Matthews Church.

Mr. Riley was born Dec. 28, 1923, in Woodstock to Matthew and Lena Rossman Riley. He married Marjorie Webel July 21, 1945 in Woodstock. She survives.

Survivors also include two sons, John Patrick of Naperville and Kerry Mark of Champaign; one daughter, Colleen Riley O’Kane of St. Louis, Mo.; and two grandchildren, John Patrick Riley Jr. (JP) and Dylan James Riley. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Harold; and a sister, Helen.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Friday, June 20, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Dr., Champaign. Fr. Mark Merdian officiated. Graveside military rites were conducted by a U.S. Navy Burial Honor Detail. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.

Technorati Tags: WWII, Navy, Pilot, Funeral, Veteran, WWarII

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Author Bio:  World War II researcher and historian working to preserve history and educate future generations. A student of Military History working to author and collect as much data as possible on the WWII time period.