Peter Michael Riley

Peter Michael Riley, age 61, of Dartmouth died peacefully on Friday, December 18, 2015 with his family by his side at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington from complications related to his liver transplant. He fought his battle to the end for his family and never complained of pain during his extensive treatments and surgeries. He lived by the motto “Never, Never, Never Quit – Winston Churchill”

He was the loving husband of Patricia Ann (Fairclough) Riley with whom he shared thirty-two blessed years, and beloved father of Michael P. Riley of Dartmouth. He was a family man who loved them all deeply. He had a huge heart and put everyone else first. He sacrificed for his family and was a hard worker who could make something out of nothing. He loved to build and fix things and take things apart. He loved his home and was determined to build his garage even in the midst of his treatment. He loved travelling in his younger days, music, the ocean and outdoors, and animals of all kinds. Peter’s cherished moments included going to watch all of his beloved Boston Teams play with his son Michael.

Peter was born in Acushnet to John P. and Irene (LaBerge) Riley. He spent most of his life in New Bedford, moving to Dartmouth over 20 years ago. He earned his GED from New Bedford High School and worked for twenty-five years as a Scallop Fisherman out of New Bedford harbor. Prior thereto, he had been a Laborer in the construction industry for ten years, and did floor covering for ten years.

In addition to his wife and son, he leaves four sisters, Jo-Ann Riley of New Bedford, Patricia Furtado and her husband Roger of Acushnet, Susan Adams of Fairhaven and Nancy Flores of Bridgewater; his mother-in-law, Norma (Chace) Fairclough of New Bedford; brothers-in-law, Robert Fairclough of Seekonk and Milton Fairclough and his wife Cindy of RI; sister-in-law, Linda Fairclough of New Bedford; many nieces, nephews and friends he made along his journeys, and his dog Trooper. Peter was predeceased by his brother Jimmy Riley and his sister, Chickie Slowik.

Private arrangements are in the care of the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford. Kindly omit flowers, contributions in his honor may be to the Riley Family, 11 Pine Island Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747.