Gerald Riley

Gerald Albert Riley was born August 12, 1922 in St. Paul , MN , son of George Riley and Leah Peltehier.  He lived and went to school in South St. Paul prior to marrying Rose Carol Peters of St. Paul Park on January 10, 1941 . They celebrated their 68 ^th wedding anniversary in January, 2009.  Life-long friends and neighbors of Don and Marge (Peters) Waldbillig and family. He served in the US Army during WWII with the 334 ^th Regiment, 84 ^th Infantry, Company A, where he participated in several major battles, including the “ Battle of the Bulge”. He retired from 3M in 1985 where he worked as a Marketing Analyst.  He was active in the VFW, serving as Post Commander and the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight.  He was also a life-long avid golfer, bowler, and pool player of some local renown.

He is the beloved husband of Carol; loving father of Patrick (Beverly Fiedler), Maureen Vitali (Ron), and Christine Shaver (Allen); grandfather of Patrick (Deana), Michael,  Sarah Zirnhelt (Anthony), James (Laura), Michael Vitali (Renee), Lauri Vitali (Dee Bernard), Denny Vitali (Nickie), Dustin Shaver (Tiffany), Brian Shaver (Nicole), Joseph Shaver (Karen); great-grandchildren Jacob, Nicholas, Alexander, Michael, Camille, Maggie, Joe, Jane, Samantha, Olivia, Tabitha, Tyler, Maclain, Quinn, Samantha, Joshua, and Isabella Rose.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday 3/27/09 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave. , St. Paul Park.  Interment at church cemetery.  Visitation 4-7 PM Thursday at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave. , St. Paul Park (651-459-2875).