Edward "EJ" Riley

Mr. Edward “EJ” Riley, 78, of Salamanca, NY died Tuesday afternoon, October 6, 2021 at home following a long illness.

Born July 2, 1943 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Charles “Sam” and Stella Ciolak Riley. He was married June 3, 1967 in the former St. Patrick’s Church to the former Lana Pontaski, who predeceased him in 2004.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1960.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

EJ had been employed as a general mechanic with the New York State Division of Youth in Great Valley, NY, retiring in 2003. He had previously been employed as a foreman in the rubbing departments of the former Jamestown Table and Ethan Allen Furniture Companies in Salamanca, NY.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and their Color Guard, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296 where he served as past commander, and the Holy Cross Athletic Club. He served as a Ward 5 Alderman for many years, served as chairman of the Board of Public Utilities and chairman of the Police Commission, and was a member of the Civil Service Commission, City of Salamanca Democratic Committee, Zoning Board, and the Joint Venture Commission. He served 7 years as Council President, which is #2 to the Mayor of Salamanca.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, performing general carpentry, and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a skilled bowler for many years and competed in many tournaments. He also enjoyed cooking and gardening.

Surviving are: two sons, Joseph Riley, Shirley, MA, Mark Riley, Salamanca, NY; a granddaughter, Camerie Riley, a grandson, Broderick Riley, both of Salamanca, NY; a brother, Samuel Riley, TX.

He was predeceased by a sister, Susan Riley.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 5 – 8 pm. .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Monday at 12 pm with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor, as celebrant.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.