Gerard S. Riley, 87, passed away June 3, 2013 at his home in Claremont, NH.

Gerard was born May 17, 1926 in Valley Stream, NY to George and Violet (Varnum) Riley. He turned down an invitation to attend spring training with the Brooklyn Dodgers in order to enlist early in the United States Navy in his junior year of high school. He would rise to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and dedicated the next 21 years of his life to the protection of our Country. He proudly served aboard the USS Chenango during World War II and the Korean War. His tours took him into many critical battles and events across the world. He would vividly recall being on one of the first Naval Inspection teams to tour Nagasaki, on September of 1945, just weeks, after the Atomic Bomb was dropped.

After a decorated military career, Gerard worked for the United States Postal Service in Providence, RI for over 20 years. He was an avid baseball fan, a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, and spent many years coaching youth baseball in Rhode Island. He moved to Claremont, NH to be closer to family, and could often be heard in the stands at Barnes Park watching the men’s baseball team.

“Gramps” will be missed most by his step-son, Hector F. Ortiz, Warwick, RI, grandson, Gerard Thompson, Claremont, his grandson’s wife, Jennifer, great-granddaughter, Mercedes, and all those lucky enough to share in his stories.

It was his humble wish to be cremated without a public service. There will be a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, he wished that donations be made to the VA Medical Center of Vermont, Attention Voluntary Services, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009.