Obituaries

Charles “Buck” Riley, 90

August 10, 2019

Charles “Buck” Riley, 90, of Lancaster, PA passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019. Buck died at home surrounded by his loving family after long suffering with Alzheimer’s. Born in Lancaster on February 10, 1929, he was the son of Robert B. “Pop” Riley and Grace (Book) Riley.

Buck served in the US Army Air Force from 1946 to 1949. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #662. Buck attended Edward Hand Jr. High School where he was the captain of the football team and led them to the City Championship title in 1944. His passion for competitive swimming led to many awards at the YMCA.

Acting as the head maintenance man at St. Anthony’s of Padua church for 40 years, his commitment to the upkeep of the convent, rectory, and school was unfaltering. His charitable contribution to others in the community, and members of the parish, was ongoing and tireless.
Buck’s leadership and mentoring as a youth football coach, where his two sons Kenneth and Patrick participated, are still remembered fondly by many young men today.

Charlie enjoyed his yearly family vacations pursuing his love of fishing in Hatteras, NC. Charlie and Peggy enjoyed traveling with friends and family to include top fishing locations throughout the world.

Buck is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Nicklaus) Riley. Also surviving are his four children; Kenneth Riley, husband of Livia Riley of Lancaster, PA, Patrick Riley, husband of Joy Riley of Lebanon, PA, Edward Riley, husband of Sherri Riley, of Key Largo, FL, and Rebecca Corum of Key Largo, FL. Charlie has been blessed with six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Charlie’s siblings of 12 included: Hyland, Robert, Warren, Roland, Irving, Clarence, Leona, Arla, Pauline, Lorainne, Bernard, and Joan – all of whom are deceased.

A Funeral Mass to honor Buck’s life will be held Friday, August 16, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Church located at 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send any heartfelt donations to St. Anthony of Padua Church where he dedicated his life’s work. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

October 05, 2019

Thanks to Buck for all the blessings I enjoyed as a result of his dedicated work for 40 years at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Plant.  Father Daniel Mitzel

August 19, 2019

So sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful man I have fond memories of from St. Anthony’s & beyond. Prayers to this entire, wonderful family. 
Terry (Pegoretti) Shelly

August 16, 2019

To all the Riley family members, please accept sincere sympathies from all of the Bennetts on the passing of Buck. Buck is, indeed, in a better place. Alzheimer’s is a wicked afflication. 
Buck was a wonderful example of the many, strong (Catholic) father role models that my brothers and I were fortunate to have been exposed to in our younger years. I have numerous memories of Buck from my time at St Anthony’s. Seems Buck Riley and St. Anthony’s are synonymous, at least in my mind! He was a great guy, dedicated to his family and faith. I hardly ever enter St. Anthony’s with a memory of Buck. The best one, about the time, as a kid, he let me ring the church bells at a funeral (and ride up on the rope). I’ll think of that memory today.
 
We are truly blessed to have know him.

August 15, 2019

My condolences  to the Riley Family.I enjoyed spending  time with Buck and his family in Pa. and in Florida.When I think of Buck I think of football and coaching his sons. You will be missed by your family and friends.
Coach Di Paolo

August 14, 2019

Condolences on your loss.  A good man who will be missed
Kevin Neary

August 14, 2019

To Pat/Ken n Riley family sending my prayers in the the passing of your father. Boys Club/Goldey Beacon Alum Papa Boots

August 14, 2019

I was blessed to have been hired by Buck to be on the St. Anthony summer maintenance crew.  While he taught us how to strip and wax floors, paint, perform electrical and plumbing repairs, he also shared many lessons on his philosophy of life.   Buck was a special guy in many ways, wise and authentic.  He had a great impact on my life and I am a better person for knowing him, as are all the guys lucky enough to have been selected to support his efforts at St. Anthony.  Thanks for everything you did for me Buck, may you rest in peace.  
Mike DiPaolo

August 14, 2019

I am keeping all of you in my prayers during this tough time. 
Tom Krall

August 13, 2019

Sympathy to Peg, Kenny, Pat and Eddie.  Buck was a great guy and a good example of how to live your life.  He’ll be missed.  Jim Dougherty

August 13, 2019

I really enjoyed seeing Charles smile when he came to dinner at the KofC on Friday nights. He truly was blessed with a loving and caring family. My sincere sympathy to Peg and the entire family. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Sue Fawber

August 13, 2019

What a wonderful obituary about a great man we were proud to call a friend  and lucky to have known. Buck was a man of principles and high moral standards. We loved his sense of humor and devotion to family and friends. He always treated us as though we were family. The time we spent with him was precious and we will remember him in our hearts forever. 
Tom and Gila Hodge

August 13, 2019

The entire Kelly family from Juniata and I offer the Riley clan our very warmest at this hour of Bucks passing.
My mother a fellow Edward Hand Alum and Buck were close their entire lives. (Both coming friom the Book line). Mom simply held a special place of respect and endearment for Buck, whom she said was like a distant brother.
Their closeness was reflected by their children being close – as the Kelly & Riley offspring bond was also very strong, especially in their developing years. Mom recalled Buck’s tuffness on and off the field and said – if ever in a threatening situation, she wanted Buck nearby! 
Buck always had a smile for me, in part from his own very high regard for my mother Molly, his dear friend.  I regret I will miss offering Peg, Kenny, Pat, & Eddie + Becky my heart felt in person condolence.  Special support & solace to my childhood friend Kenny! 
God Bless “Buck” for his hard work & loyalty to St Anthonys.
That very feisty Molly & Tuff Buck are fearlessly again together offers me much comfort.
From N. Italy -a long distance & final salute to fellow veteran “Buck Riley” and his own !
Molly ‘s #2 – Steve & Debbie Kelly 

August 13, 2019

I have many wonderful memories of Buck, including how he taught me to mop floors at St Anthony’s. 
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Michael Capp

Services
Friday, August 16, 2019
11:00 AM
St. Anthony of Padua Church
501 E. Orange St.
Lancaster, PA
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