Capt. Thomas Francis Riley

Funeral Services will be 11:30AM Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. Rev. Jay Gantz officiating. Interment will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. Visitation will be 10:00AM Tuesday until time of service at the funeral home.

Thomas was born March 24, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois the son of the late W.A. Riley and Eva (Sullivan) Riley. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Jackson where he was President of the Senior Class, awarded All State Football and Baseball; and offered 13 college scholarships after graduating. He also competed in MLB tryouts for the Tigers, Cubs and Pirates.

Thomas began his education via a full ride football scholarship at Xavier University, Cincinnati and throughout his lifetime achieved his MS in Finance, MBA in Economics and Ph.D in Economics. He entered the Navy in 1959, continuing a career of service in many capacities. He was a Naval Aviator during combat in the 6 Day War, Cuban Crisis and the Vietnam War. He was a Carrier Delivery Pilot for Nuclear Weapons and held Top Secret Clearance. Thomas retired in 1994 as Captain and was a proud patriot.

After retirement, Thomas continued an active lifestyle. He was a Carrier Commercial Pilot, Instrument Jet and Propeller, and clocked 4800 hours on his personal aircraft. He was an Assistant Professor at George Washington University, Vice President, Nat. All. Bus. DC, President, Business and Government Relations, Consultant on National, State and Local levels, and NRA Pistol Instructor.

Thomas was involved with many activities in his life, but the finest moments came through his children. He was very proud of their life accomplishments and loved them all dearly.

Surviving are his children, Thomas J. Riley, Jr. (Stacey), Julie Dohrn (C.E.), Russell S. Riley, Michael B. Riley (Jennifer), Evan S. Riley, Mathew J. Riley (Deepa) and their mothers, Carol Roll and Marcey Riley; 3 grandchildren, Colleen Shendow Smith (Aaron), Alex Dohrn, Justin Dohrn; companion, Sue Thompson; Siblings, Dan Riley, Chuck Riley, Bob Riley and Helen Maltby; several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by an infant son and his brother, William Riley.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hillfh.com