John Delos Riley

Jack was born in Oak Park, IL on November 6, 1934 the only son to the late John and June Riley. John, June and Jack later moved to Detroit, MI where Jack attended Redford High School. Jack earned good grades and was a member of the golf team. His love for the game followed him throughout his life. Upon graduation, Jack was packed and ready to attend the University of Michigan…that was, until he received a letter from the school his father attended: the University of Notre Dame! A few minutes later, the Michigan sweatshirts were out, ND was in, and Jack was off to Notre Dame. His five years there had a strong effect on his lifelong Catholic faith. In Jack’s words, “It defined my life.” Jack earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in1957 from the University of Notre Dame. Upon graduation, Jack entered Army service in the Army Ordnance Corp, 10th Special Weapons Battalion stationed in Germany. Jack completed his two-year tour of duty as a 1st Lt and Asst. Battalion Operations Officer. Jack returned home to Detroit, MI where he joined the Chrysler Missile Division before moving to American Standard where he began his lifelong career in the air pollution control industry. During his career Jack was active with the Air Pollution Control Association and the Institute of Clean Air Companies where he served several terms as a division chairman of the Electrostatic Precipitator Division and later several terms on the Board of Directors. Jack retired in 1996 as Vice President of U.S. Operations for Lurgi, GmbH.

Jack was an avid golfer, billiards player and was known to take a few retirement checks in a game of poker. Upon retirement, Jack moved to Mount Dora, FL where he resided in the Country Club of Mount Dora (CCMD). He found a passion in organizing community events, golf tournaments and billiard leagues. He could often be found on the course playing several times a week with his “Riley Group” of some 40 golfers which he helped organize. He served on the CCMD Members Committee Board for three years and Chairman of the Green Committee for a number of years. He embraced his Catholic faith, He volunteered as a Minister to the Sick at Avanti Nursing Home and coordinator of visitations for other St. Patrick volunteers at Avanti.

He is survived by his children, John A. Riley (Laura) and Mike Riley (Mary), his grandchildren, Shannon Watson (Will), Michael Riley, Brooke Jackson (Troy), Erin Riley, Grace Riley and Katie Riley, and his great-grandchild, John Henry Watson.

His Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Immediately following there will be a lunch reception at The Mayflower, 1620 Mayflower Court, Winter Park, FL 32792.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the University of Notre Dame.

https://giveto.nd.edu/give?promotion_code=04820.