E. "Jerry" Gerald Riley

Jerry was born in Bellwood, Illinois on October 20, 1935 to Emil A. Riley and Magdalene “Ena” M. (nee Redmond) Riley. He was the younger brother of James L. Riley. Jerry attended Proviso Township High School where he played football, basketball, and sang in the choir. He enlisted in the Army and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

While enrolled in Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, he met the love of his life, Geraldine “Geri” Mruczkowski at a dance at the Neuman Center. Jerry and Geri were married on October 25, 1958 in St. Joseph and St. Anne’s Church in Chicago, Illinois, being married for 65-1/2 years. Their daughter Deborah was born in 1959 with daughter Trishia following in 1971.

Jerry spent his life in purchasing and sales, primarily in the steel bar and castings industry. In his spare time, he loved to golf, especially in the Birdies for the Brave tournament where he also volunteered, as well as spend time with cherished friends and family. An avid dog lover, his favorite was his Doberman, Brutus. He lived in Illinois, California, Arizona, and Texas before landing in Louisiana. He spent the last year of his life at the Avanti Senior Living community where his charm gained many friends. He loved his exercise classes, sitting in the afternoon sun, and dancing in the hallway with residents and staff.

Jerry is survived by his loving daughters Deborah (John) Ritter and Trishia Padilla, and grandchildren Kathryn Ritter, Andrew Ritter, Jacob Padilla, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Ena Riley, brother Jim Riley and his wife Dolores, his favorite uncles Hugh and Larry Redmond, dear grandson Evan Padilla, and his beloved wife, Geri. Interment will take place on Friday, October 9th at Grace Funeral Home & St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden in Covington, Louisiana. A small celebration of life will take place at Avanti Senior living following interment with family, friends, and staff.