Bernard J"Red" Riley

Bernard J. "Red" Riley, 88, of 173 Minott Street, Gardner, died peacefully Saturday, October 25, 2014 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner, surrounded by his family.
Born in Gardner on January 4, 1926, he was the son of the late James E. and Bernice L. (Timpany) Riley.
He was a WII Veteran, who proudly served his Country with the United States Army Air Corps as an Aerial Gunner 611. He flew 42 missions, and received the WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon w/1 bronze star and 1 silver star, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation, Good Conduct Medal and Air Medal w/ 2 OLC.
Following his two years in the service, "Red" attended Cushing Academy of Ashburnham, and later attended Suffolk University. Leaving high school before graduation to fight in WWII, "Red" was awarded his high school diploma 55 years after his class of 1944 graduated.
During his years at Gardner High School, "Red" was a three sport athlete. He was an outstanding second baseman, played forward position on the basketball team and was quarterback for the football team. Following a leg injury, "Red" began pitching. He ended up with an incredible pitching career, leading Cushing Academy to the New England Prep School Championship, pitching two years for Suffolk University and a two year career on the mound for the Brattleboro Maples of the old Northern League, and later played in the Industrial League of Gardner, leading the city to several championships. In his later years, he assisted with the organizing and also played in the annual Lefty Proulx Memorial Old Timers Baseball Games played on Labor Day.
He was employed by Nichols and Stone Manufacturing Company of Gardner for over 20 years as a Personnel/Plant Manager.
"Red" was a member of Chestnut Street United Methodist Church of Gardner.
He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, loved golfing and tending to his lawn. He enjoyed spending time at both the Gardner Municipal Airport and the Gardner District Court. "Red" was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who instilled in his family the importance of a good work ethic and sense of humor.
"Red" was a member, Past Commander and Honor Guard of the VFW Post 905 of Gardner, member of the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner. He was involved in many civic affiliations over the years in the City of Gardner. He also had the honor of raising the American flag every day at the First Baptist Church of South Gardner.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, Phyllis J. (Pelletier) Riley of Gardner; two sons, Mark D. Riley and his wife Julia of Murray, Utah and Brendan Riley of Gardner; four daughters, E. Gail Riley of Gardner, Phyllis Anne Riley-Street and her husband George of Gardner, Jane L. Bussiere - Plaza and her husband James of Shutesbury and Kristin K. Riley of Gardner; seven grandchildren, Sara-Jane Riley, Jeremy and Joshua Beal, Simon, Andrew and Joseph Bussiere and Steven Kocsis; one great-grandchild, Ariel Beal; three step-grandchildren, Wesley and Nathan Street and Jerusha White; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Beth M. Riley; and sister, Constance Riley.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 4th at 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will be in Green Bower Cemetery, Gardner.
A calling hour will be held Tuesday, November 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02114-2931, or if you prefer use your money and go to a Red Sox game in "Red's" memory.

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