Donald Riley

Donald Riley of Dunwoody died March 31, 2011, age 80, after a prolonged illness. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Don attended local schools before entering service with the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. Upon leaving the Air Force Don joined the Glidden Paint Company where he rose through the ranks to become South Eastern Regional Director. One of Don’s long time business associates said of him “In the years this man walked among us he dignified the meaning of life in so many ways . . kindness, consideration, understanding and love.” Many people benefited from Don’s knowledge and expertise, whether in Human Resources, Business Management, Marketing, Principles and Logic, Finances, or just plain common sense. There was no better individual to help people through their challenges, and Don gave freely of his time and energy to assist co-workers, family and friends develop their full potential. He was a model to all, and a particularly effective mentor to the young. Despite his career success, Don never allowed his position, title, or station in life to change the modest man that he was. His actions were always anchored in doing what was right and doing what was fair. He had integrity and a profound belief in “I can do it”, whether in the business world or in his passion for golf and tennis. With Don’s passing we are left with the realization of how fortunate we were to have shared part of his life, and we also learned about life with him and from him. Don Riley was never too busy to help a family member or a friend, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Above all Don loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren, family and friends, and he has left each of us a legacy of love and kindness that will remain in our hearts forever. Don was preceded in death by his daughter Leslie Cubelic and is survived by his wife of 53 years Martha Riley; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Michael Cochran; son-in-law John Cubelic; grandchildren Austin Vaughan, Melanie Vaughan and Mason Cochran; and brothers and sisters-in-law Carl and June Riley and Pat and Gwen Riley. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.choa.org. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 2 o’clock at Patterson’s Arlington Chapel. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 5, 2011, from 6 to 8 o’clock at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.