Captain Stephen George Riley
September 3, 1952 ~ September 24, 2012
Services:
A graveside service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Feburary 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with full navy honors.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday, September 28, 2012 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
Captain Stephen George Riley, III, 60 of Mechanicsville, MD passed away on September 24, 2012 in Mechanicsville, MD. Born September 3, 1952 in Niagara Falls, New York, he was the son of the late Mary Ann Ruh Riley and Stephen George Riley, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA. Mr. Riley is survived by his wife Sharon Kay Riley of Mechanicsville, MD whom he married on December 23, 1977 in Virginia Beach, VA, children; Shannon Kay Riley, ( fiancé Dale Eugene Wince), of Leonardtown, MD, and Stephen George Riley, IV, (Kelly Nicole Riley), of Falls Church, VA, siblings; Kevin “Michael” Riley of Jacksonville, FL, Eileen “Patty” MacDougall of Easton, MD, Kathleen “Kate” Pitchford of Norfolk, VA, and Christopher “Chris” Riley of Greenville, SC, and 1 grandchild. In addition to his mother Mr. Riley was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Crawford. Mr. Riley graduated from Princess Anne High School in 1971 and from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College in 1998 earning two Masters Degrees. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1971, serving for 38 years, he was stationed at NAS Glenco, GA, NAS Patuxent River, MD, Tacron22, Little Creek, VA, NAS Oceana, VA, NAS Lemoore, CA, USS Coral Sea CV-43, FacsFac, Vacapes, VA, NAS, Chase Field, Beeville, TX. Navy Liaison Officer for the FAA, NAS Patuxent River, MD, Airlant, Norfolk, VA, his last duty station was at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, where he was Chief of Naval Operations, head of Air Traffic Control and Airspace, after retiring in 2009 he was a GPS Coordinator for the Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC. Mr. Riley was a member of the Town Hall Alliance, and the Elms Advisory Board, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.The family will receive friends on, Friday, September 28, 2012 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.Honorary pallbearers will be: Stephen G. Riley, IV, Stephen K. Riley, Kevin M. Riley, Christopher S. Riley, William “Bill” Reabe, and Everett Bailey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675
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“STEVE THANK YOU FOR BEING A SON WHO HAS ALWAYS BROUGHT PRIDE AND LOVE TO THE RILEY CLAN WE WILL MISS YOU BUT NEVER FORGET YOU GOD BLESS YOU BIG GUY..”
“Sharon and family – Thinking of you at this difficult time. May sweet memories bring you comfort.”
“God bless the man who dedicated his life in serving our country, the Navy and Air Traffic Control. We will miss him dearly and we will be there for his family as he was always there for us. RIP”
“Steve was a truly great man and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by everyone. My sympathy and prayers for his family.”
“CAPT Riley, you were such a huge supporter of Marine Corps ATC and I was always grateful. We truly were a Navy/Marine Corps team in the Beltway and the Fleet. Your efforts will continue to positively impact our community for years to come. It was an honor to know and work with you. Sharon and family I want to offer you my condolences and pray God will give you strength during this most difficult time. “
“Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.”
“”My sincere condolences and prayers to the Riley family. CAPT Riley was a great leader our Navy and FAA Air Traffic Control communities. I worked for Captain Riley as a young LDO and recently had the pleasure of working with Steve at FAA HQ. I will miss and always appreciate the sea stories, mentorship, laughs and the paper he through over the cubicle to get my attention. RIP shipmate, we have the watch…. “
“Sharon, so sorry to hear about Steve. Some of our best memories from Beeville involved the Riley’s. Your husband was one of a kind. I’m sure he’s got his dipnet out, fishing golf balls from the lake. Walt & Charlotte Fillingim”
“We served together at NATTC Memphis many years ago. My sincere condolences to his family.”
“Rest in Peace Shipmate! “
“Sharon,we were so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim and Beth Beaton “
“Memories are what keep love ones near and dear to our hearts, long after their physical being is gone – hold on close to all you have of Steve. “
“Rest in Peace Shipmate. Sharon, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. “
“Sharon, Steve & Shannon We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Steve and all of you will be in our prayers. Uncle Frank & Aunt Carol”
“Though it has been about 25 years ago, I fondly and with great respect remember then LCDR Riley at NAS Air Operations, Patuxent River. He was a fine man and a true professional. My condolences to the Riley family.”
“Sharon and family, Kathy and I will forever remember Steve and the leadership he provided to his shipmates. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. May you all gain strength as the days pass – the memories of great people never fade. “
“Sharon, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and that tall skinny guy with the big nose. Steve and I served aboard Coral Sea together, at FAA HQ, together and crossed paths again at AirLant. Steve’s energy and his humor always raised the spirits of his shipmates and helped us to “get the job done”. God bless you and the kids. “
“I was saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. The Navy has a unique way of bringing people together, and it was through our service that we came to know one another. The Navy Air Traffic Control Community has a unique way of bringing people even closer, and through the many conferences, meetings, symposiums, phone calls and e-mails we came to know one another even better. Steve reached the pinnacle of our profession and led the Community for six years. I bid a fond farewell as Steve enters “high holding”; I know that he will find “clear skies and steady decks.” May his family’s memories of Steve bring them great comfort in their time of grief. “
“Sharon and Family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve was a great officer and good friend. “
“Sharon, Shannon and Stephen, We pray for Steve and your family, that God will grant you healing and peace in this time of grief and loss. “
“My sincere condolences and prayers to the Riley family. CAPT Riley was one of the last of the old school sailors. A fine officer and a true leader in the ATC community who was well-respected in and out of the Navy. Rest in peace boss.”
“Farewell my dear, faithful friend and colleague! You greatly enriched my life and the lives of so many others. My deepest sympathy to your family! Rest in God’s peace.”
“As a fellow “mustang” Stephen will be missed, in his professional capacity and as a friend.”
“On behalf of all your friends and family within the FAA, we thank you and we miss you. To the Riley family, Steve will not be forgotten. “
“Prayers and blessings to you and your family. “
“Fair winds and following seas. Rest in Peace Captain. You left the ATC Community in good hands.”
“Sharon and Family, My sincerest condolences on your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the strength and comfort to see you through this time. “
“Thanks for your Service to your Country and the Navy’s ATC Community!”
“My deepest sympathy to the Riley Family!!! I knew Steve for over 30 years, and no finer man ever did I have the pleasure of knowing and calling my friend.”
“Captain Steve Riley conducted our joint U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Navy airspace and air traffic business with strength, integrity and technical accuracy. I am honored to have served with Capt Riley at the helm.”
“I worked for Capt. Stephen Riley when he was stationed at Patuxent River MD. My prayers go out to the family, he was a great man and mentor.”
“CAPT Riley, Your impact on Dept of the Navy ATC will not be soon forgotten. You always “set the pace” in actions and words. My condolences to the entire Riley family. Best wishes. “
“Sharon & kids, Hoping you’ll find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of Steve. RIP shipmate. Riley out.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you. he will truly be missed.”
“RIP Shipmate.”
“I’ve known Steve since he was a Lieutenant. He was a fine man, and will be greatly missed.”
“Steve always reached for the stars and carried many with him. His wit, easy manner and willingness to help others made him such a loved member of our community. I give my deepest condolences and prayers to the family. RIP TSGBN.”
“Fair Winds and Following Seas Capt. Riley. We are better people for having known you. Thank you for your leadership. You will truly be missed.”
“We were deeply saddened upon hearing of the loss of Capt Riley. He will be remembered as a true patriot to his country and an outstanding example of what is good and great in mankind. His help and guidance to Air Traffic Controllers no matter what uniform they wore will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.”
“”Sharon and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Steve. Thank You Steve, For Serving Our Country.””
“Please accept my sincere condolences for your sudden loss. As a young LT working with the FAA and Joint Program Office, I will always remember Steve’s encouraging words of wisdom, guidance and outstanding leadership that he provided for the Navy’s Air Traffic Control Community. Steve was always straightforward and honest and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. “
“Sharon and family. Steve and I crossed paths for several years at the FAA HQ. He was a giant of a man in very important ways. He positively impacted the lives of so many! I send you my condolences and prayers. “
“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil. – John Taylor Steve leaves a legacy to his family and to the ATC Community – he will be sorely missed and well remembered! Fair Winds & Following Seas!”
“Shannon and Dale: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we did not know your dad, we are certain that he was a great person as evidenced by you – Shannon, his daugher. Remember all the good times you shared with you father until you meet him again in heaven.”
“Sharon and Family, You are in our prayers and thoughts at this very difficult time. Capt Riley was an outstanding man, leader, mentor and friend to all he encountered. His motivation and dedication were paramount to the success of many. May you feel God’s soothing presence during this troubling time.”
“When hearing the news, I was shocked and brokenhearted. For the short period of time working with Steve in the Systems Operations Security office, I will miss him coming to my desk each morning, saying “Did I tell you I was glad that you were here today.” My deepest condolences to the family; I pray that God gives you strength through this sad time. May God Continue to Bless Your Family! “
“Steve was there when you needed him and even when you didn’t know you needed him. It is the small things I will miss about the friend on the other side of the cubicle wall. The siren guessing, the calls to Sharon starting with “Watcha doin?”, the calls made on behalf of those in need, and the updates on world events and mutual acquaintances. This poem sums up what I believe his guidance to us would be: He is Gone by Anonymous You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he’s gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. “
“Sharon and family, from my remarks at Steve’s retirement from the Navy in Pensacola, you know the high regard in which I and the entire Navy AC community held him. I shall never forget him or the honor of speaking at his retirement. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you in your grief and sorrow.”
“With our deepest sympathy.”
“Rest in peace friend. Our thoughts are with you.”
“Sharon and Family. CAPT Riley truly was an inspiration to us all! I will always treasure the years I worked for him and with him. He was my mentor and friend, always gave me great counsel and advice. He will be sorely missed by all. My God grant your Family strength in your time of need. Rest in peace, Shipmate…”
“Rest in eternal peace Captain Steve Riley.”
“Few will know that he cared so much for all servicemen, and this country. I was able to witness his calling first hand for five years at the FAA he put air under my Army Wings and made sure I never went off course. But he did that for everyone. To his wonderful family, if there is anything we can do never hesitate to ask. There is dept I will never be able to pay back. I promise that I will say a prayer that I continue to live my life in his example. Great friend, father and Great American. God Bless us All. Jay R.Greeley President & CEO Pegasus Info Group. “
“Words cannot express my thoughts during this time of sorrow. I pray God gives your family strength and courage to endure this sad occasion. I will always treasure Steve’s charming character and kindness while working with me in System Operations Security. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 “
“He will be truly missed FAA family & co-worker”
“Sharon and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Steve was a tremendous asset to our office and the entire staff had a great admiration and respect for his work and his accomplishments. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. “
“I offer my condolences to the Riley family for your loss. I am saddened with the passing of someone who had a great impact on the Navy ATC family. “
“As we mourn a life seemingly cut short to us and pray for Sharon and the Riley family in their loss, we also celebrate the time we had to be served, led, and inspired by Steve so well. Bask my Brother in our and God’s eternal love.”
“RIP MY FRIEND. My condolences to the Riley Family.”
“Rest in peace, Captain, you will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.”
“Skipper, you were a great mentor and a true Shipmate. I will miss our weekly talks. We have the watch down here now, go and be at peace my brother. ACC KMart…out”
“Sharon and family, may God bless you and strengthen you. You have a multitude of friends thinking and praying for you all.”
“You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The CAPT is a fine sailor, officer and a great American he will be missed. Rest in peace Sir.”
“A true gentleman who treated everybody with respect, dignity, and class.”
“Great leader, man and friend. Prayers to the family he will surely be missed.”
“A true icon in the air traffic control rate. He will be missed and our prayers are with you. “
“Captain Riley may your family find peace and comfort during these hard times. RIP Captain you will be greatly missed. “
“Sharon, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times. CAPT was a true gentleman, outstanding Naval Officer and a man who never lost focus of the common touch. I know he is leaving FL290 enroute to rendevouz with RF and RH. God Bless you all during this difficult time. Rest in Peace with God my dear friend Captain Riley — you will be truly missed. Proverbs 3:5-6.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! Steve was a great man and leader and will be missed. May you rest in God’s hands now.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and the family. CAPT Riley was always an “Officer and a Gentleman”.”
“Sharon and family, I worked with Steve in various capacities not only while I was supporting Headquarters Marine Corps, and later Chief of Naval Operations staff, SECNAV and SECDEF staffs. Steve was always the “go to person” not only to find out what was going on in the area of air traffic control, but also to ensure that the right things were accomplished in a timely fashion. Steve is a model of integrity, a role model for us all, and a great friend. He is a great American and will be sorely missed by us all. May God grant you peace and understanding with his passing. “
“Fair winds Captain. A colleague, an inspirational leader and a friend who will be missed. My condolences to the Riley family.”
“To Steve’s Family, I had the pleasure of working with Steve and FACSFAC VACAPES, he was a true gentleman and outstanding leader he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“My sincere condolences to Sharon and the family. Captain Riley will be missed by his Navy family very much. He gave somuch during his distunguished career that there wasn’t a Sailor that didn’t feel its effect. Although it was late in my career and a shot time, I am proud to have known him and served with him. Fair winds and following seas, Captain.”
“I had the greatest opportunity to work with Steve on numerous occasions while serving as the FAA’s Air Traffic Representative to the U.S. Navy in the Jacksonville area. Steve was one of those guys that always had the positive attitude, the great smile and wit. His contribution to the Air Traffic Control community, both civilian and military will stand as the legacy for others to follow. I am saddened by his passing. He will be missed by so many. Pete Hooper CMSgt, USAF (Ret.) FAA (Ret.)”
“To the Riley family, Steve was truly a gentleman. I ride the 905 bus with him he always let the ladies go first on the bus. My thoughts are with you and your family. R.I.P Steve. “
“My heartfelt condolences to the Riley family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. “
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, Steve was a great guy, I always admired his leadership, may he rest in peace in God’s hands.”
“My sympathies to Captain Riley’s family and close friends. He will always be THE example of Navy ATC Leadership. I like many viewed him as a consumate leader and professional and tried to fashion my career as Mustang after his stellar example. “
“Mrs. Riley, I had the sincere honor and pleasure serving with your husband at Patuxent River. He was my Division Officer,an inspiration to me and a friend. My wife and I are deeply saddened at his passing. He changed the lives of many Sailors and he will be greatly missed by all. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God provide you comfort and strength in this extremely difficult time. “
“Sharon, Stephen, Shannon; Please accept our most sincere condolences. We will always cherish the memories we have of all of you and Steve the boss, Steve the co-worker, and most especially Steve our friend. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. “
“To the Riley family – I worked with Stephen many years ago when he was LCDR at ATC PAX RIV. He was always such a fine gentleman and outstanding professional. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, just know he has the Lord’s view of the skies now – a sight we earthbound can only imagine.”
“Sharon my heart goes out to you and the rest of the family Steve would come in Walmart ask for special order book and give me the information and say Sharon will be over to order my Christmas present and here she would come on her lunch. Steve was such a wonderful man one of the few I really listened to, he taught me alot, he knew Walmart sporting goods better then anyone that worked there. STEVE may you rest in peace, your work here is done you will be missed. Sharon take it easy let me know if I can do anything for you.”
“Rest in Peace Captain Riley. You will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Riley family.”
“To the entire Riley family you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this sad sad time. I worked with CAPT Riley at PMA213 ATC. We would talk often and he would always talk very highly of his family, about fishing and someday retiring. I knew he retired from the military and Went back to work you just can’t take the military presence out of a true American wanting to serve. CAPT Riley you will be missed! And I will certainly think of and pray for your family everyday! Mrs. Riley/Sharon, Stephen he spoke of you often, keep your memories close! RIP SIR! Always Jay and Ann Hills “
“My heartfelt condolences to your entire family for the loss of Steve. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind and comforting words. I am dumbfounded at HOW MANY lives he impacted while in the Navy, FAA and in his civilian life. Thank you all again…Sharon Riley OUT!”
“My dear Sharon…I was so saddened to hear about your loss. Your husband sounded like such a wonderful man. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
“The Town Hall Alliance guys did not get to see Steve in the viewing. He was a great guy and will be missed. When ever he put his mind to, he never gave up. We want to attend his final tribute in Arlington. Any information can be sent to my e-mail: rich.johnson@synergy-aero.com. Thanks”
“Sharon, I am sorry for your loss. Your husband sounds nothing short of a true patriot, and I can only imagine how proud you are to have been married to him. I am a somewhat distant cousin to you via LaDonna’s sister, Frances, my grandmother. My thoughts are with you and you loved ones as you navigate through this difficult time.”
“Captain Steve Riley was a true Patriot and believed deeply in the Constitution as well as the people. He backed up his beliefs with service and hard work. As the days go on and your grief is great, reverse that deep hole of sadness into the monument to a very great man, which is what Steve was for all of us. “
“Thoughts and prayes go out to the Good CAPT and his family, wheresoever dispersed.”
“i just learned of Steve’s death. I cannot tell you how saddened I was to hear about the loss of a fellow Air Traffic Controller whose talents shined so brightly, not to mention the goodness of his soul…. my condolences to Sharon and family. He was so devoted to you all. i will miss Steve terribly! “