James F. Riley, Jr.

James F. Riley Jr., 74 of Pembroke, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 21st, 2022. Born in Boston on July 21st, 1947, he was the son of the late James F. Riley Sr. and Florence E. (Anderson) Riley.

While growing up in Hyde Park Jimmy met Christine M. Sands the love of his life and a love story like no other was born. They were married on September 6, 1969 and lived in Hyde Park for nine years while they worked hard and saved to buy their forever home in Pembroke MA. There they made a home for their family that was full of love, laughter, understanding and strength.

He worked at The Boston Globe newspaper for over 40 years. He started his career in the Maintenance department and worked his way up to be Head Forman on the night shift. Along the way he made many friendships that lasted to this day.

If not at home with Chris and the kids or working at the Boston Globe, he could be found golfing with friends, reeling in a bass on one of the many South Shore ponds, or even putting on his bandana, sunglasses, and helmet and taking a ride on his Harley.

Brewster, MA was one of his favorite places in the world. The first time he went to Brewster was as teenager with Chris to visit friends. They fell in love with the beauty and tranquility of the beach. From then on family vacations every July began. This decision would turn into a gift for generations to come. The decades of memories there with Chris, his children, grandchildren, and friends are some of what his life’s greatest moments were made of.

His greatest joy was his nine grandchildren. After the recent loss of his beloved Chris the grandchildren were all that could sometimes bring back the twinkle in his eye and the curve of his smile. To the grandchildren, Papa was like no other.

To all who knew Jimmy as Dad, Papa, Uncle, Brother, and Friend he will be missed beyond words. He left behind a legacy of love, hard work, strength and lifetime of memories for all to cherish.

Jimmy is survived by his children Lauren C. Grady and her husband Darren of Middleboro, James E. Riley, Sr. and his wife Sherrie of Shrewsbury, and Michael J. Riley and his wife Nannette of Plymouth. He was the brother of Dennis Riley of West Roxbury MA, Patty Hanley of Foxboro MA, and the late Elaine Lockhart and Timothy Riley. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan, Eric, and Anna Grady, Courtney, Cameron and James E. Riley Jr., and Michael, Meghan, and James D. Riley. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 29, 2022 from 4-7 PM at the Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Rt.53, Hanover MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday June 30, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Thecla’s Church, 145 Washington Street, Pembroke MA. Burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in East Pembroke.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jimmy’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.org