Rita (Coleman) Riley, wife of Francis C. Riley (1915-2004) and mother to Stephen F. Riley, was born in Pawtucket on this day in 1917. Her parents, Martin F. Colemen and Mary Anne Kenney, both emigrated from Ireland, making Rita a “1st Generation American.”
Recently, Rita’s Pawtucket High School graduation picture was published and it is included here.
Rita Patricia Coleman in 1935
Here is another photo which shows Rita with her husband Francis along with her various brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Top row left to right – Patrick J. Riley, William F. Mulligan, William L. Riley, Francis C. Riley, Walter F. X. Mulligan; Bottom row – Kathleen (Riley) Mulligan , Margaret (Bartley) Riley, Helen (Manning) Riley, Rita (Coleman) Riley, Margaret (Riley) Mulligan
Annie Rita Riley – a Riley, although not of Pawtucket, was born in Washington, DC, but now lives on the West Coast. Her parents, Joan M. Burggraf and Stephen F. Riley still live in DC, as does her sister Kate. Her paternal grandparents were the late Rita P. Coleman (1917 – 1974) and the late Francis C. Riley (1915 – 2004).
Annie’s Harvard/Stanford education has led her to some very interesting business opportunities and personal adventures. Presently, Annie owns and operates Riley LLC. Her consulting firm services “venture-backed clients across a range of industries, with a focus on marketplace businesses.” (Hey, I was a substitute teacher once.)
Even though she is at the beginning of her career, Annie has had the opportunity to serve on several boards and non-profit organizations. One of her more interesting projects involves South America’s Patagonia National Park!
Happy Birthday, Annie, may the mountain streams and your years ahead all be crystal clear.
Jordan McBride was born on this day in Doylestown, Pennsylvania to Kathryn (Moore) McBride and Robert McBride. Jordan’s maternal grandmother was the late Judith (Mulligan) Moore (1938-1962) and his great grandmother was the late Margaret (Riley) Mulligan (1910-1989).
After living a few years in Pennsylvania, the McBrides “found their way” back to the Northern Rhode Island/Attleboro, MA area, where Jordan spent his formative years. His elementary and middle schooling was at Mercymount Country Day School in Cumberland. Now, wouldn’t you know, it being Rhode Island, the adage of “I know a guy” enters Jordan’s life. Low and behold, his principal at Mercymount was his great aunt, Sister Martha Mulligan!
Jordan enrolled in Bishop Feehan for his high school years, and it seems his choice was an excellent one. Thriving at Feehan, Jordan excelled in academics and athletics. He was Class President in both his sophomore and senior years, a member of the Student Council for all four years, a member of the National Honor Society, and a leader in the Jazz Band. His high school baseball career paralleled his classroom success. While a member of the varsity baseball team, Jordan made All Conference. The Sun Chronicle newspaper named him to their All Star team, and Bishop Feehan named him Offensive Player of the Year. I guess Jordan did quite well!
Oh, did I mention Jordan can play piano – wait to you see the attached video!
Happy Birthday, Jordan, keep swinging for the fences.
Here are a couple of pics and a short video clip. (Wait for video to download, should take about 10 seconds.)
Jordan making another “connection”Jordan with his dad Robert and mom Kathy
Oh, Jordan can play some piano! This is from a solo at the Providence College Jazz Fest last year.
SisterMartha Mulligan, RSM (Religious Sister of Mercy) has a birthday today. Sister was born in Pawtucket, and grew up in the neighborhood near Memorial Hospital.
Martha’s parents, Walter F. X. Mulligan (1906-1957) and Margaret E. (Riley) Mulligan (1910-1989) had four children. Martha was their second born, with Judy being the first, and Paula and Kevin following along.
Martha entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in Cumberland back in 1957. Today she is still devoting herself to the spiritual needs of others, while being part of the Ministry at Bishop Feehan High School.
Wishing Sister Martha the best of birthdays, and, as always, a nice cup of tea!
Athrow back photo of then Sister Walter Marie…and now as we know Martha!
Robert Andrew Ricci III, son of Pawtucket’s Maryanne (Daley) Ricci and Robert Ricci, began his stay on Earth back on this day in La Jolla, CA. Robert Andrew’s maternal grandparents were the late Joan (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and Frederick “Nick” Daley (1927-1991).
Robert Andrew has already met with success in life. So far, he’s been a member of the National Honor Society at La Costa High School, a four-year member of the school’s golf team, its team captain in his senior year and the individual league champion!
A graduate of California Polytechnic, Robert Andrew’s now building a productive career and life out in Colorado.
Here’s to a great birthday weekend, Robert Andrew. Have an IPA on us!
California born and still California cool, Happy Birthday, Robert!
Erin (Fleury) Garceau and Michael Garceau proudly announce the arrival of their son Oliver Michael Garceau on Saturday, August 8th. Oliver weighed in at 7 lbs. and 9 oz. and is 21″ long. Mom is doing well.
Karen (Matteson) Fleury and Timothy Fleury are the proud maternal grandparents. The late great grandparents, Barbara (Riley) Fleury (1927-2015) and Richard “Dick” Fleury (1928-1992) would have been overjoyed.
Oliver is now the 7th member of the 6th generation, who can trace his connection to a distant Riley somewhere/sometime in County Cavan, Ireland.
William “Bill” Leo Riley, Jr., oldest son of William Leo Riley, Sr. (1912-1985) and Helen Manning Riley (1921-1924), celebrates a major birthday today.
Bill has had himself a couple of very big events in the last few days with retirement last week and today’s celebration.
Hey, Bill, how was it having the opportunity to sleep in on a Monday morning?
Happy Birthday, Bill, we at 19pondstreet will lift a cold one in your honor!
Kathleen (Katie) Riley, was born on this date in Providence to Pawtucket’s Reagan McVay and Paul Christopher Riley, son of William Leo Riley (1912-1985) and Helen Manning Riley (1921-1994)
Katie grew up in the Pawtucket neighborhood just off Columbus and Newport Avenues. This was where she saw a lot of her cousin, Joan Riley Daley (1929-2019), who lived just across the street!
Katie, the Riley clan wishes you the Happiest of Birthdays.
19 Pond Street 