It is very sad that I have to post another classmate. Gerry Riley
This is a small obituary, but I will update it after the full one is in the Mirror.
Gerry was the one who got us nvolved on our website. Without him it would not have happend. When he was feeling good, he spent alot of time with it. Gerry and I put in all the classmates into the website. . Gerry knew how to do some things and I knew how to do some. About a year and half ago, he sent me a text that he was not able to help anymore. It was amazing to see him and Sandy at our last reuion. One of their daughters came along to help them. Gerry knew everyone and he will be sadly missed by our class.
Riley
Gerald L. “Jerry” Riley, 81, Altoona, was ushered into Heaven on Sunday at UPMC Altoona, surrounded by his family. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Ludden J. and Claire L. (Luther) Riley.
On Nov. 27, 1965, he married Sandra L. Turnbaugh.
Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years; three children: Tracey J. Riley Wallower (Scott) of Downingtown, Eddie L. Riley (Kristy) of State College and Jason L. Riley (Johna) of Duncansville; nine grandchildren: Jared, Jessie, Kendall, Jonah, Madelyn, Jillian, Logan, Ludden and Aidan; three sisters: Earlene Keating of Milwaukee, Wis., and Lloydell McCloskey and Irma Miller, both of Altoona; a “sister in heart,” Padget Burkey of Altoona; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was also preceded in death by siblings: Aubert Riley, Connie Riley-Arroyo, Jack Riley, twins Mary and Margaret Riley, Emma Mae Reilly and Collette Lantz.
Jerry was a 1960 graduate of Altoona High School, where he was a member of the Alumni Association.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from Penelec.
Jerry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He was also a member of the Altoona Jay Cees, Field Director of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant, President of the St. Therese Home School Association, a basketball coach and a founding member of the Garvey Manor 400 Plus Club. He was also instrumental in getting the walking track put around Fairview Park.
Jerry enjoyed golfing and reading. He was an avid Penn State football fan, where he had season tickets on the 45-yard line for over 40 years, and a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Jerry most especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Monsignor Stanley Carson as Celebrant. A private family committal will be held on a later date at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s memory to Garvey Manor, c/o Sister Joachim, 1037 Logan Blvd., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.
A. Maynard Burley Jr.
Gerry was a fantastic person. He will be greatly missed. RIP Prayersand condolences to the family.
Patricia Spagnola (Crawford)
I am so sorry to see that such an outstanding member of our class has left us. His contribution to creating this website has been so valuable in creating links with those of us who are no longer living in Altoona. My sincere sympathy goes out to Sandy, his family and his many friends.
William H Culp
Gery was a great guy who did a lot for his class, community, and friends. He will be missed.
I wam prous to have known hiom. Cindolences to his family , and know that he is with God.
William H Culp
Big fingers, small keys.
I am proud to have known Gerry. Cindolences to his family. Know that he is with God..
Gregory W Miller
Gregg MillerHe is going to be missed.
Robert D Park
I met Gerry in first grade at Adams School. We were part of the"Adams Family" He was a real gentleman and will be sorely missed by all of us. Bless you, Gerry, and your family.
Mary E Knepp (Paul)
So sorry to of Gerry's passing. He was a true friend to all. Sandy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Gerald E Benton
Betsy and I were saddened by Jerry's death announcement. We extend our deepest sympathy to Sandra and their family. Jerry will be missed by many people. I'm amazed at all his accomplishments! Jerry was an intregal part of the 1960 Class of AHS and all of our alumni activities. Jerry was a true friend.
Donna J Corbin (King)
Gerry was allways a happy child growing up. We attrended Adams school together, and he was cheerfully defending me when the boys taunted how fat I was back then. When we progressed through junior high abd onto high school, Gerry always was my defender it seemed. He lived clode by and would help carry my cello or books, since we had 12 blocks to get to senior high. I always had at least five books of homework each night, but Gerry was there to help many days.
We were all happy to hear that he and Sandy had connected - two very sweet people who got together. I am so sorry for her loss and for the loss of the family.
Donna (Corbin) King
Marlene M Farrow (Johnson)
I just saw the memorial page for Jerry. It was with a heavy heart to know he is gone. He made so many of us at Adams School happy with his laugh and helpful hand when needed. It was wonderful to see him at the reunion.
He was an inspiration for the reunions and always extended a kind hand.
I pray the family has strength In prayers being sent their way. May He Rest In Peace and His memory be eternal.
Marlene and Kim Johnson