William Joseph "Bill" Riley, Jr.

William Joseph Riley, Jr., devoted husband, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away December 23, 2019.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Bill attended Providence College before relocating to Washington D.C. to attend law school at Catholic University.  A proud veteran of the US Army, he served in Korea before continuing his Army career in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He worked for the US government as Director of Personnel at the US Department of Agriculture and later in that same role in the US Forest Service before his retirement.

A resident of Laurel, MD for more than 50 years, Bill was active in his church, St. Mary’s of the Mills. He enjoyed playing golf, softball and bowling, and was a dedicated fan of the Washington Redskins and Boston Red Sox. In retirement he especially enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the continental USA and Europe as well as spending time with his four grandchildren and was a supportive fan for all of  their various games and activities. He was also an avid reader with an impressive book collection.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ann, his four children, William J. Riley III (Anne), Terrence M. Riley, James T. Riley (Megan) and Kathleen M. Riley, as well as his four adoring grandchildren, Jim, Brad, Finnegan and Annie. He was preceded in death by his sister Jean.

Visitation to be held at Donaldson’s Funeral Home in Laurel, MD Sunday December 29th from 2-4 pm. Funeral to be held at St. Mary’s of the Mills in Laurel, MD December 30th at 11am.

Donations in Bill's memory can be made to

Providence College
Harkins Hall 412
1 Cunningham Square
Providence, RI 02918

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