Obituary of John Thomas Riley

John Thomas Riley was born on October 13, 1917 in Hawkinsville, Ga, the son of Minningham Riley, Sr. & Beatrice Williams Riley. John Thomas Riley moved to Berlin, NJ by way of Philadelphia, PA. in 1925 at the age of eight. He was educated in the elementary schools of Berlin Township and graduated from Haddonfield High School. He began serving his Country on March 19, 1941, by enlisting in the US Army during World War 2 where he proudly served for 4 years, 8 months as a Tech Sargent. While in the service, he met and married Velma Neveu of New Orleans, LA. and of this union came eleven children. They had a wonderful life together until her death in 1980. He later married Carrie Lattimore, who passed in 2005. He was a faithful member of St. Simon Stock Roman Catholic Church, formerly Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, in Berlin, NJ. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2976 in Lindenwold, NJ and served several posts including Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. During his loyal service to the American Legion he rose to the rank of Commander of Post #357 in East Berlin as well as County Commander of the American Legion of Camden County. He was a member and staunch supporter of The South Jersey Buckeye Gunning Club serving on several posts. He also served on the Berlin Township Juvenile Conference Committee, Holy Name Society, The Rosary Society and the East Berlin Cemetery Board for many years. He was a bowler for nearly 40 years as well. That was his favorite past time. Through his many affiliations, he has had numerous opportunities to serve our youth, Veterans of the US Armed Forces, and members of the general population in times of distress and in instances of natural disaster. His love for “LIFE” and the “EARTH” has taught us all the value of love and living off the land while respecting it and how to serve our fellow man. He was preceded in death by his son Erick Riley, his daughter Hedwig Owens, his son Kermit Riley, and his son-in-law Robert Wallace. He leaves to cherish his children Cassandre Wallace of Indianapolis IN, Theron Riley (Delores) Berlin NJ, Cynthia Riley Sicklerville NJ. Merlin Riley (Stephanie) Newark NJ, Kevin Riley (Emaileen) Berlin NJ, Joan Villalobos (Elias) Lindenwold NJ, Bertrand Riley (Donna) Erial NJ, and Elva Christian (William) Camden NJ. He also leaves to cherish 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members. To us he was truly a “GREAT MAN” we his children ALL aspire to be.