Obituaries

Arthur E. Riley passed away peacefully with family at his side in Highland Park, IL on December 8, 2019 at age 95. He was born in Danville on May 31, 2024, the youngest of ten children of Arthur and Ida (Haas) Riley.

Art graduated from Danville High School in 1942. A year later, he enlisted in the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army during WW II and was awarded the Bronze Medal for his meritorious service in the Apennine Mountains of Italy. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1950 and began employment with S.S. Kresge’s (now Kmart) the same year, retiring 37 years later as a Vice President.

Also in 1950, Art married Jean Riley (Tomsho), his beloved wife of 67 years, who predeceased him in 2017. During Art’s career with Kmart, he and his family moved often, residing in eleven towns across the Northeast. He never forgot his roots, though, and returned to Danville in 1987 for his retirement years. Art and Jean made one more move, this time to Highland Park, IL in 2008 to be closer to their children.

Those who knew Art remember him with a smile on their faces as they recall his mischievous grin, great sense of humor, generous spirit and wicked card playing. He had a strong work ethic but was also a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, traveling with Jean, cheering on the Penn State and Danville Area High School football teams, and just puttering in his backyard. Art was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Danville Elks, and the Frosty Valley Country Club.

Art was survived by his son Robert (now deceased) and his wife Ruth Riley of Highland Park, IL, daughter Susan Riley of Madison, WI, and granddaughter Katie Riley of Highland Park. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, six sisters (Margaret Aten, Dorothy Derr, Emma Brophy, Elsie Burge, Ruth Long and Ida Mae Feaster) and three brothers (Walter, Howard and Harry Riley).

Graveside services in conjunction with a committal service for both Art and Jean will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Father Timothy Marcoe and Linda Wagner presiding.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821. www.visneski.com