OBIT: Michael F. RILEY, 1932, West Salisbury, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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MICHAEL F. RILEY

 Michael F. Riley, aged 72 years, 10 months and 7 days, died at his home in West 
Salisbury, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 1932, at 7:21 o'clock p.m. after an illness of 
10 days.
  His father, James Riley and his mother, Esther Kennedy Riley, were natives of 
Ireland.  The father emigrated to America at the age of 17 years, and settled in 
Armstrong County, Pa.
  Their son, Michael was born in Kittanning, December 15, 1859.  He attended the 
public schools of his native town until 16 years of age, when he quit school to 
enter the employ of the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company, in which he continued 
for two years.  He then became a student of St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Pa., 
at the age of 18 years, graduating from there in 1879.  Re-entering the service 
of the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company, he worked as a fireman until 1882, 
when he located at West Salisbury, to assume the post of station agent for the 
B. & O. R.R. Co., serving ably and efficiently in that capacity for the period 
of a half century, when he retired, and was placed upon the pension list.
  Right here it may be truthfully stated, that no man ever served his employer 
and the public more efficiently, than did Mr. Riley, and his cheerful and 
obliging presence will be sadly missed from the little B. & O. station by the 
company's patrons for years to come.
  He was the second of a family of seven children, four brothers and three 
sisters.
  On Sept. 19, 1887, he was united in marriage with Missouri Elizabeth Wagner, 
daughter of Dennis and Mary Loechel Wagner of Salisbury.  To this union were 
born 10 children as follows:  James D. Riley, deceased; Edward E., George F., 
Robert M., Morris H., William R., Mary E., wife of Edward Crowe; Margaret E., 
wife of Reese Lichliter, and Paul J.
  Mr. Riley was owner and operator of the Mountain Tonic Company plant and 
conducted a shoe store for 13 years at West Salisbury.
  In politics Mr. Riley was a staunch Democrat but was repeatedly honored in the 
Republican Township of Elk Lick by being chosen Judge of Elections, in which 
capacity he served ably, honestly, impartially and conscientiously.
  At the time of his death he was a stockholder in the First National Bank of 
Salisbury.
  Mr. Riley was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church and for 50 years 
a member of St. Michael's congregation, West Salisbury.  Solemn requiem high 
mass was celebrated Tuesday morning by his pastor, Rev. Howard T. Miller, 
followed by interment in St. Michael's cemetery.
  If ever a man lived, who conformed to the Golden Rule and to the commandment, 
"Love thy neighbor as thyself," that man was Michael Riley.  He had a great, 
kind sympathetic heart, and helping hand for the down-trodden and oppressed.  
Almost any one's misfortune would bring tears to his eyes.  He was sociable, 
magnanimous and generous to a fault.  Oh! How sadly he will be missed!  But his 
friends and relatives have this consolation: That by his humble walk with God, 
he has assured unto himself the everlasting crown of glory and an eternal abode 
in the Kingdom of Heaven, to enjoy the company of saints and martars, relatives 
and friends and to be ever with his God.  Peace to his ashes!
  The writer regrets his inability to be present at the funeral services, but 
honors his memory with tears as he writes.  JOHN P. VOGEL.

Meyersdale Republican, October 27, 1932