Jerome L. “Jerry” Riley, 91, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday, April 20, 2018 at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock. He was born November 17, 1926 in Ferndale Michigan to William H. and Clara Eve (Cardinal) Riley. He married Patricia J. Dittman on September 15, 1951 in Woodstock.
Jerry was a veteran serving in the US Army seeing service with HQ 9th Troop Reg Gp from 1945 to 1947. He had worked for the family business of Riley and Riley Mobil from 1950 to 1972. In 1972 he went to work at the other family business, Dittman Plumbing & Heating until his retirement in 1991.
He was a charter member and Unit Rep for the Woodstock Boy Scout Troop 776. Jerry enjoyed traveling with Patty in their RV, golfing, reading, and baseball. He even joined a softball league in his retirement.
He had a great passion for woodworking. He and his friend Albert Idler could be found most days in his basement which was a menagerie of woodworking tools. Together they made all kinds of crafts, furniture, and toys for many family and friends.
They worked on many projects for St. Mary Church as well. The best part of the day was the afternoon lounge time he had with his close buddies. He was a member of St. Mary Church; the Woodstock Knights of Columbus where he served as Treasurer; and the Woodstock VFW Post 5040 where he participated in the Honor Guard.
He is survived by his children, Leo (Christine) Riley of Woodstock, Timothy Riley of Harvard, Bridget (Craig) Parman of West Brook, CN, and Colleen (Frank) Gosser; grandchildren, Meghan, Aaron, Christopher, Ian, Ryan, Alison, Kelly, Wes, Jeremy, Alex; thirteen great grandchildren; a sister, Audrey Meyer; sister in law, Mary Lee Klabunde; brother in law, William Dittman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia in 2005; brothers, Gordon, Donald, William, David; sisters, Mary T. McCarthy, Shirley Rose, Phyllis Vintz; and an infant grandson, Roger Hahn. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at the Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Ave Woodstock from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a wake service at 6:00 pm.
Services will continue on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church 312 Lincoln Ave Woodstock with a gathering from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am Funeral Mass. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Woodstock. Family would like to thank the staff at JourneyCare Hospice and Assure Home Assist for their wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either St. Mary Church, JourneyCare Hospice, or the Woodstock VFW. Donations may be made to: St. Mary Catholic Church 312 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock IL 60098 Tel: 1-815-338-3377 Web: www. stmary-woodstock.org JourneyCare Hospice Foundation 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington IL 60010 Tel: 1-224-770-2413 Web: www.
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