Obituary of Donald Riley

Donald Banfield Riley, 83, of Odessa, passed away on Monday at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 3, 1930 in Montour Falls, the son of the late Douglass D. and Bernice Stoddard Riley and served two years with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Don worked at Market Basket Store in Montour Falls, Corning Glass Works in Corning, Bausch & Lomb in Rochester, and Stromberg Carlson in Rochester. He was a Block Operator with the Pennsylvania Railroad, Co-owner and operator of Williams Sweet Shop in Odessa, worked at Shepard Niles Crane & Hoist in Montour Falls, and retired from Cornell University in 1996 after 35 years of employment with the Real Estate Department. Don served as Cub Master of Odessa Cub Scout Pack 50 for five years, and served for six years on Seneca Drums District Commissioner's Staff which included two years as District Commissioner. He was a member of Cole-Hansenburger-Deland American Legion Post 676 since 1955, serving as Vice-Commander and Commander. He was a member of the Odessa Fire Department, where he had 38 years of active service and was an Emeritus member since 1993. During his tenure, he served as Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Chief, Chief, Secretary and served on the lead committee appointed to plan for the Odessa firehouse. Don was a charter member of the Schuyler County Firemen's Association where he had 55 years of continuous membership, and served as Secretary-Treasurer since 1971. He was also a member of the Learn Not to Burn committee since its inception. He was a member of the Central New York Firemen's Association since 1958 and Life Member since 1977. He was elected as Official Starter from 1966-1977. He served for 16 years on the Tournament Rules Committee including 11 years as Chairman. He served on the Legislative Committee, including two years as chairman. Don also served several years as a member of the Schuyler County Fire Advisory Board, including several years as Secretary. Don was a past member of the State of New York Firemen's Association, New York Association of Fire Chiefs, Tri-County Volunteer Firemen's Association, New York -Pennsylvania Firemen's Association, Hose Team Captains Association of Central New York, and Madison County Volunteer Firemen's Association. He served for 23 years as Secretary-Treasurer of the Schuyler County Firemen's Bowling League. He was a member of the Mechanics Club in Montour Falls, a volunteer at the Schuyler County Historical Museum since June of 2003, and served as Secretary for the Schuyler County Historical Society Board of Trustees from April 2006 to September of 2010. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Beverly; children, Doug (Vanessa) Riley of Hilton Head, SC, John (Sheila) Riley of Berlin, CT, Donna Riley Roberts of Odessa, and Kathleen (Stephen) Smith of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; grandchildren, Scott Riley, Colin Riley, Cara Riley, Philip Roberts, Brian Smith, Kevin Smith and Jennifer Smith; 13 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Sean Riley and by his brothers, Jack Riley and Richard Riley. Services will be held on Saturday at 3:00 pm at the Odessa United Methodist Church, 305 Church St. in Odessa. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1-3 pm Saturday at the church. Contributions may be made in Donald's memory to the Odessa United Methodist Church or to CareFirst.