John E. Riley

John E. Riley

"Jack"

John (Jack) E. Riley of Exeter, NH, formerly of Limerick, ME and Saugus, MA passed away on Saturday March 15th in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

He was born October 20, 1920 in E. Machias, Maine to the late Jesse E. Riley and Abbie G. Doane.

John was the devoted husband to his late wife Mary (McSweeney) Riley for 61 years. He was predeceased by his daughter Nancy. He is survived by his children John E. Jr, Kenneth, Stephen, Susan, Brian, Valerie, 13 grandchildren and their respective families.

John grew up in the Heights of Portsmouth, NH. He pursued his education and graduated from The Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a veteran of the army and served as a radio operator during World War II. Jack worked for General Electric for over 39 years before retiring to his home state of Maine.

John was a very special and unique person of enviable qualities. His interests and talents led to his development of 9 patents with GE and a lifelong passion for ham radio operating (KZ1U). He also loved the Isles of Shoals and owned property on Appledore Island, where he and his family spent many happy summers.

He was very proud of his children and his family never lacked for anything from education, to family vacations, and he presented his family with a great example of how to create a loving and lasting family environment.

John was kind and generous to everyone, and he embodied the values of softness in dealing with others and being less critical of all people especially those close to him.

He will be sorely missed by his large and loving family and his numerous friends everywhere.

Private graveside services will be held in the family lot at the Sagamore Cemetery, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Stockbridge Funeral Home invites you to post your entries of love and support for the family. All postings are monitored and any inappropriate posts will be immediately deleted. Thank you in advance for your respect for the family.

Private graveside services will be held in the family lot at the Sagamore Cemetery,

Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

S H A R E

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