SPC Joseph “Joey” William Riley, United States Army, age 27, of Grove City. Beloved son of Rodney and Michelle (Ferre) Riley; brother of Cortney (Jason) Riley Duncan, uncle of Hailey Liberty and Ian Lawrence; brother of Justin (Ashley) Riley, uncle of Reed Leighton and Monroe Aileen; also survived by Grandmother Judi (Bob) Ethridge; Uncle Don (Patty) Riley, Aunt Lynn Cremeans, Uncle Scott (Alyssa) Riley, Aunt Tammy (James) Graham; Aunt Marcie (Chip) Handrich, Uncle Frank (Jeri-Jean) Ferre, Aunt Brynn (Brent) Wagner, Aunt Shawna Cogar, Uncle Cliff (Heidi) Ferre, and many other loving cousins and extended family.
Riley was preceded in death by Grandparents and Great Grandparents, including WWII Veteran Joseph Scott Riley, and other United States Service members.
SPC Riley enlisted in the Army in June 2012; he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina in March 2013.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Basic Parachutist Badge.
Loved by countless others who knew him and even some who did not, Joey was known by his infectious smile. Joey loved time with his nieces and nephews, football, and serving in the Army. His last words to his mom and dad, “Love you guys.”
Visitation will be held Friday, December 5, 2014 from 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM at The First Baptist Church of Grove City, 3301 Orders Rd. Grove City, where Funeral will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Tom Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery. Arrangements completed with THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME Grove City.
[SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, Grove City, OH] |
GROVE CITY, OH (Lu Ann Stoia)
-- A Central Ohio soldier is being mourned after he was killed while
fighting in Afghanistan Monday. Joseph Riley, 27, was a graduate of
Grove City High School and Capital University.
Rodney Riley said his son, a US Army sniper, told him he was going
on one last mission before he returned to Fort Bragg next week. Now, on
Wednesday, the family will travel to Dover, Delaware for the dignified
transfer of Riley's remains, which will arrive in Columbus on
Thanksgiving.
At Grove City High School, staff members are grieving the loss.
Joey's mother is a secretary there. Principal Mike Starner said it's
been tough on the community. "It's so tragic because he was doing such
an important job in protecting our freedoms as Americans. We can't say
enough for Joey and all service men and women, especially around the
holidays," said Starner
A hometown hero, Joey made the ultimate sacrifice. But people who
knew him said Joey wanted to give back to his country. While the Riley
family said they are heartbroken at the news, they are proud of the
sacrifice Joey made. Rodney Riley said his son loved the Army and felt
strongly that freedom is worth the fight.
The Army said it will release more details Wednesday about what
happened to Riley and other soldiers who were killed Monday.
At Memorial Baptist Church, the pastor said Joey knew The Lord and
told him he would be okay. Tom Wright said Joey loved children and
visited their Sunday School classes when he was home. Wright said they
would send care packages to him in Afghanistan, which Joey would share
with other soldiers. The church is starting a fund in Joey Riley's name
to benefit children in Nicaragua. Joey's mother returned to Ohio last
month from a mission trip there.
Pastor Wright said calling hours will be held on Monday next week,
and the funeral will be held on Tuesday at The First Baptist Church on
Orders Road in Grove City. Times are still pending.
If interested in donating in Joey's name, please send your donation
to Memorial Baptist Church, 2435 Eakin Rd., Columbus OH 43204
[ABC6, WSYK Columbus, Ohio Nov. 25, 2014] |
Grave marker for Joseph W.
Riley in Concord Cemetery, Grove City (Franklin county), Ohio.
[All three images courtesy of Dave Goddard]
Numerous tributes surround
Joseph's grave site.
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