John Herbert Riser

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024, at The Church By The Sea, 2700 Mayan Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

John was born November 27, 1934, in Washington, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Washington High School in 1952 where he played both football and basketball. In 1952, he led the Little Presidents to 19 consecutive wins and was named to the All-Pennsylvania Scholastic Basketball Team’s first team. John would later enroll at the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1957 and a master’s degree in 1972. At Pitt, John was a member of the basketball team serving as team captain his senior year and garnering many awards including as an All-American, All-East, NCAA All-Tournament Team and team MVP. A member of the 1,000 point club, John is ranked among Pitt's career leaders in both scoring and rebounding, having scored 1,164 points and pulling down 775 rebounds. He was most proud of leading Pitt to the NCAA Mideast Regional Semifinals against the University of Kentucky. John was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Washington-Greene Chapter in 1999.

John served his country as both a member of the United States Navy and the United States Army. He spent many years working as a Supervisor in Washington County and later worked as a salesman for Toyota in Fort Lauderdale. He was a proud Elder at The Church By The Sea.

John is survived by his son, Dr. Mark Riser and his daughter, Heather (Scott) Mayo; grandchildren, Connor (Kate) Riser, Mitchel Folds, Logan (Jackson) Mayo and Presley Mayo; step-children, Kathy Porter and Mark Brazeau; as well as many beloved step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; parents, Herbert and Flora; siblings, Martha and Nancy; and step-son Michael Brazeau.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Pittsburgh’s athletic programs.