Joseph Riley

Joseph Robert Riley, 90

Joe was born in Brooklyn on December 26, 1930. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Southern Ocean County Medical Center. Joe was married to Joan Fitzpatrick on September 12, 1953 and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together. Joan passed away on March 2, 2019. He is survived by his four children Joseph (LuAnne) Riley, Maureen Kraft, Christopher (Sylvia) Riley, and Kathleen Powers. His six grandchildren are Tara (Alex) Akkerman, Joseph Riley, Jillian Riley, Jake Riley, Julia Riley, Jared Riley and one great grandchild Sophie Akkerman. Joe was one of 8 children of Joseph Patrick Riley and Ruth Ella Smillie. His siblings were: Joseph Jr (died 1921), James Henry, Walter, Edward John Vincent, Ruth, Evelyn, and Mary.

He lived most of his life in Brooklyn before relocating later in life to Manahawkin and finally Barnegat, New Jersey as he and Joan enjoyed the Jersey shore lifestyle. Joe worked as a firefighter for the City of New York and retired due to a serious heart issue that was sustained as a result of the hazardous work of being a fireman. He rose through the ranks in the FDNY from Fireman to Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and retired in the rank of Deputy Chief.

His favorite things to do included being the passenger in a car so he could enjoy watching the world, bicycle riding, viewing vintage TV shows and news programs, & motorcycle riding. Anyone who knew him will always remember his passion for life, his dedication to family, and his larger than life persona. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed but is now forever with Joan.

Visiting will be held on Wednesday October 6th, 2021 from 4 PM to 8 PM with a funeral service, 7:30PM, at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Cremation will be private.

The family asks instead of flowers, donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at St.Jude.org , please click the “Donate now button” and on the donation screen check “Dedicate my donation”, you can list Joseph Riley at that time.