John F. Riley

Born in Butte, Montana, Jack lived and was educated around the world, owing to his father's— and his own—military service. Many of Jack’s formative years were spent in Helena, Montana. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1974, after a decade of service in various reserve components in Montana and North Dakota. He completed his Naval career in San Diego in 1994, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His years in post-Navy retirement were spent as an adjunct instructor at Grossmont College in its Business Office Technology department, and more recently, as a Certified Lay Minister at Mission Hills United Methodist Church in San Diego.

Jack was twice widowed and did not have children. His first wife, Roberta Jo Hennessy, died in 1979 after seven years of marriage. His second wife, Mary Leslie, passed away in May of this year after 36 years of marriage. Together, Jack and Mary loved and raised dogs and volunteered with San Diego Basset Hound Rescue. Jack supported Mary’s work in Grossmont College’s Office Professional Training (OPT) program, helping at fundraisers and teaching one of the program’s courses.

Jack is remembered for his intelligence, humor, and kindness. He was a man of many talents and interests. He is survived by siblings Patricia Riley (Michael) Matross and Gary (Nola) Parry of Montana; sisters-in-law Betty Hennessy, Chris Hennessy (Jim) Common, and Kate Leslie; brother-in-law John (Joanne) Leslie; several nephews: Steven Matross, William (Britain) Riley, Craig (Morgan) Parry, Chris (Belen) Hennessy, John (Amanda) Hennessy, Casey Common (Beth Podtburg), Mike Common (Jennifer Wunsch), and Patrick Leslie; niece Dorian Parry (Ty) Hrubes; numerous extended family members, and many close friends. In addition to losing two spouses in his lifetime, Jack was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Dorothy Woodside Riley, and a nephew James Tisdale.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Mission Hills United Methodist Church at 4044 Lark Street, San Diego, CA 92103. A memorial service will be held at the church on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 11:30 AM.