Ron spent 67 beautiful years with the love of his life, Joan B. (Smith) Riley, whom he married on June 2, 1956. Joan preceded him in death in December 2022 and was waiting for him in paradise with Our Lord.

Following his honorable service in the United States Army during the Korean War, Ron returned home in 1956 to marry Joan and begin a richly blessed life. He built a distinguished career with New York Telephone and Verizon. While together, Ron and Joan raised six children, creating a faith-filled home that profoundly impacted their family and community for decades.

Ron and Joan lived in Babylon, New York for 35 years before retiring to Venice, Florida, where they enjoyed many joyful adventures together in retirement.

Ron lived a life overflowing with love, joy, faith, and purpose. He loved to laugh, was a faithful servant of the Church, and a hero to his children; he led by quiet example, kindness, and unwavering devotion.

He is survived by his six children: Debra (Damian) Ruppert, Edward (Denise) Riley, Ronald E. (Maggie) Riley, Kerry E. Riley, Mary Noreen (Stephen) Danna, and Scott P. (Samantha) Riley.

He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Brendan (Lisa) Ruppert, Rebecca-Jane (Gabriel) Ortiz, Shaun-Patryck (Elisavet) Riley, Sarah-Kathleen (Robert) Weldon, Abby Riley, Tom Riley, Trevor Danna, Hailey Danna, Taylor Riley, and Jake Riley.

He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Declan Ruppert, Conley Ruppert, and Lillian Joan Weldon.

Much could be said about Ron Riley - a good and faithful servant who lived with grace, strength, and humility. In honoring that humility, we simply say this:

He made the world a better place because he was here - impactful, real, meaningful, life-changing, fair, honest, equitable, and Godly.

Rest well, sing praise with Mom and Our Lord in heaven. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

A funeral mass for Ron will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10am at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota in honor of Ronald Frank Riley would be a wonderful tribute to his memory.