John H. "Jack" Riley

Mr. John H. “Jack” Riley, age 91, of Lynn, died peacefully at home with his daughters at his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Thelma “Terry” (Craig) Riley, with whom he had shared 54 years of marriage.

Jack was born on March 23, 1921 in Ashby-de-la-Zeus, Leistershire, England, son of the late John H. and Grace (Deverell) Riley. He lived in England until 1931 when his family emigrated to Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

He served in the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise) as a tank commander during the entirety of World War II. Following the war, he met his future wife through his tank buddy and immigrated to the U.S.

When he moved to the U.S., he believed he lived in the BEST country in the world. He became a naturalized citizen and a true American patriot. He was a master carpenter craftsman for his entire life.

Beyond his family and his work, Jack was a devoted member of the Maple St. Methodist Church, where he held many positions. His favorite “job” was being an usher every Sunday for many years. He also served as a trustee, choir member and youth worker. One of his most significant contributions to his church was the excavation of the basement and the building of the kitchen, nursery, Sunday School rooms and Fellowship Hall along with his friend, Bud Day.

The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family. The last 6 years of his life, he enjoyed making his home with his daughter, Robin, her husband, Kevin and their children.

John leaves his daughters, Robin Bradley and her husband Kevin and Hilda Spates and her husband William all of Lynn. He was the loving “Puckie” of Adam Spates and his wife Maria Boverini, Sean Spates and his wife Amy (Fournier), Graham Spates and his wife Elyse (Keith), Jacob Bradley, Noah Bradley and his wife Jill (Gibson), Kevin Bradley and Rachael Bradley, and Amanda Riley and Robert Riley. He was the Great Grandfather of MacKenzie, Christian, Jack, Sydney and Collin Spates and Isaiah Bradley all of Lynn. He was the brother of Hugh Riley, Pat Riley, Stan Riley and his wife Lillian and Mary Lewis and her husband Ernie all of Canada. He was the father of the late Michael Riley and brother of the late Alec Riley and Lilla Riley.

John’s Memorial Service will be held in the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Monday at 6:00PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Memorial Visitation prior to the Service beginning at 3:00PM. Gifts in John’s memory may be sent to Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St. Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.