Obituary for Bernard W. Riley
Bernard W. Riley, 87, of Pekin peacefully entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Pekin.
Bernie was born July 11, 1934, in Jacksonville to Ed and Lucile Henry Riley. His parents; sisters, Rose, Margie; brother, George; first wife, Ellen; stepson, Randy Nichols and one step-grandson preceded him in death.
He married Geraldine Y. Kelley on December 27, 1986, in East Peoria; she survives. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Jeffrey (Shannon) Nichols, Laurie Greenup; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Gray and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie graduated from Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville where he excelled in baseball. He continued his baseball career by joining the U.S. Army and playing for the Army team. He enjoyed a 30-year career with Graybar Electric Co. in San Diego and East Peoria.
Bernie was an avid card player. He gained Life Master status player in many tournaments across the country. He was well known in the Pekin area for teaching Bridge, managing two Bridge Clubs, and writing a Bridge column for the Pekin Times.
He was a member of the Miller Senior Center and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.
Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Miller Senior Center 551 S. 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Friends are invited to stop by and meet the family.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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Bernie was born July 11, 1934, in Jacksonville to Ed and Lucile Henry Riley. His parents; sisters, Rose, Margie; brother, George; first wife, Ellen; stepson, Randy Nichols and one step-grandson preceded him in death.
He married Geraldine Y. Kelley on December 27, 1986, in East Peoria; she survives. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Jeffrey (Shannon) Nichols, Laurie Greenup; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Gray and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie graduated from Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville where he excelled in baseball. He continued his baseball career by joining the U.S. Army and playing for the Army team. He enjoyed a 30-year career with Graybar Electric Co. in San Diego and East Peoria.
Bernie was an avid card player. He gained Life Master status player in many tournaments across the country. He was well known in the Pekin area for teaching Bridge, managing two Bridge Clubs, and writing a Bridge column for the Pekin Times.
He was a member of the Miller Senior Center and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.
Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Miller Senior Center 551 S. 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Friends are invited to stop by and meet the family.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
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