It is with tongue in cheek that we recognize Sean Fleury‘s* birthday today. The son of Karen Ann Matteson and Timothy Patrick Fleury, and the grandson the late Richard B. Fleury (1928-1992) and the late Barbara Hope Riley (1927-2015), he has had to overcome a lot, and finally he’s making some progress.

It’s been a tough-row-to-hoe since his glory days in high school. Sean had to overcome the stigma of being accepted into one of the best engineering schools, and then finding himself thriving in that rarified academic atmosphere. What a burden! Then there was the added “inconvenience” of being a BMOC and playing NCAA Division I soccer during his four years in college. To live those campus days must have called upon all of Sean’s internal strength!

Sean’s post collegiate career has been filled with one hurdle after another. Imagine having to work along side some of the most accomplished engineers and scientists at a world class company like Boston Scientific. The poor kid just couldn’t get a break. Before he knew it, he was off to Minneapolis finding himself in the center of “Midwestern Nice.” How dare this company transfer Sean to a land of smiles, courtesy and good beer. How would he survive this constant flow of adversity? As Ms Gaynor sang: “Only the strong survive,” and Sean certainly did, he kept pushing through the limits of his trials and tribulations.

But the pressures of the world kept closing in upon him. Out of the blue, Sean found himself faced with something few men can handle – a wonderful woman who more than met his match. She was Intelligent, personable, and athletic – Mollie Knake.

Sean didn’t have a chance, but his luck sure changed.

Just when All American Minneapolis was about to come unglued, the newly married couple were transferred to Costa Rica, where the winter doesn’t exist and the sun shines continuously. What a way to “quarantine” yourself.

This is not Sean’s normal Costa Rican attire

We wish the birthday boy welI, and may he continue to thank Mollie for his new found blessings.

Nancy Fleury Orlando has a Birthday today.*

As Nancy enjoys today’s beautiful birthday weather, it is almost an exact replica of the day she was born. Back then, in a year not to be mentioned, the high temperature was 64 and the skies were sunny and cloudless. Probably songs by Connie Francis and The Everly Brothers were playing on the car radio when her dad, Richard “Dick” Fleury (1928-1992) was rushing to the hospital. Now, at the same time, Nancy’s mom, Barbara Riley Fleury (1927-2015), couldn’t have cared less about who was singing or what they were singing about – Barbara had other things on her mind. Back home in Pawtucket, the newborn Nancy had three siblings, Cindy, Rick and Tim, who were most likely plotting to keep their perceived “most important status” preeminent in the family hierarchy. Wonder how that worked out for them?

Happy Birthday, Nance! There’s no drive to Boston today, so enjoy the day and time with Tony, son Nick and daughter Catherine.

• see blog postings May 24, 2020 and July 31, 2020

Maryanne (Daley) Ricci, was born on this day in Providence to the late Joan L. (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and the late Frederick A. Daley (1927-1991). Granddaughter of Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) and Margaret Cecelia McSally (1900-1938), Maryanne grew up in the St.Teresa’s neighborhood, went to the parish school and graduated from Tolman High School.

Of course, being a Daley kid, young Maryanne helped with the family’s newspaper distribution monopoly. Early in her adolescent years, Maryanne began to develop her creative spirit excelling in drawing, design and fashion.

Maryanne married the love of her life, another Pawtucketite, Bob Ricci (see blog post entry May 4th) and they soon found themselves out on the West Coast. Maryanne and Bob have two outstanding kids, Robert Andrew and Caroline.

Happy Birthday, Maryanne! I know the Beach Boys were always singing about you.

Zachary Ferreira, was born on this day in Providence to Staci Fleury and Michael Ferreira. Zachary’s grandparents (on the Riley side) are Darleen and Richard (Rick) Fleury. His late great grandparents, Barbara (Riley) Fleury and Richard “Dick” Fleury would have been very proud of Zachary, who received his First Communion back in September.

Here is a photo from that day:

Just look at this young dude. Is he sharp or what? In this pic Zachary may have just received his First Communion, but he sure looks like he just closed his first real estate deal.

Here is his most recent photo:

Zachary’s interests are track, tennis and from what I’ve heard, the young man never misses an opportunity to demonstrate his love and caring for animals.

As I posted in his brother Jacob’s birthday post last June: It’s a great time for the Ferreiras and the Fleurys to celebrate, to look forward to what is to come and to review what has been. Also, this gives 19pondstreet the opportunity to introduce a new generation, a 6th generation of Americans. Zachary, his brother Jacob, and their cousins can trace themselves back to May 28, 1862, when Pat Reilly and Rosa Kearnan walked down The Neptune’s gangplank and stepped out into New York City.

Here is the generational line:

Patrick Riley & Rosa Kiernan born in Ireland in the 1840’s and left for US in early spring 1862

1st gen – Patrick Leo Riley (1875-1955) – arrived in US 1862

2nd gen – Patrick Joseph Riley (1900-1985) – born in Pawtucket

3rd gen – Barbara Hope Riley Fleury (1927-2015) – b. Pawtucket

4th gen – Richard B. Fleury, Jr – b. Providence; brought up in Pawtucket

5th gen – Staci Fleury Ferreira – b. Providence; grew up in Bristol

6th gen – Jacob Richard Ferreira – b. Providence; growing up in North Kingstown

Bet Patrick and Rosa would probably say those fourteen days spent in Neptune’s steerage was well with it.

Happy Birthday, Zachary! Keep on sprinting through the finish line.

Erin Fleury Garceau was born on this day to Karen (Matteson) Fleury and Timothy Patrick Fleury. She is the granddaughter of the late Barbara (Riley) Fleury (1927-2015) and the late Richard B. Fleury, Sr. (1928-1992).

Erin has experienced quite an exciting twelve months since we posted about her birthday last year. In August, she and husband Michael welcomed their son Oliver into the world.

If that wasn’t enough, Erin launched a new and expanding venture…

at NV Fitness in Worcester, MA. Whether you need a major overhaul or are just trying to maintain your perception of being in shape, Erin can help you get the job done.

Happy Birthday, Erin! It’s been quite the year.

*see blog post April 5, 2020

Richard (“Dick”) Benard Fleury, was born on this day in North Kingstown, Rhode Island in 1928 to the late Edmee”Mary Louise Edmee” Fontaine (1899-1992) and the late Noah Fleury(1899-1976).

Dick’s family moved around a bit in his early years, from North Kingstown to Charlestown, Newport, and Fall River before landing in Pawtucket during the 1940’s. It was at Pawtucket East High School (now Tolman) that Barbara Riley (1927-2015) caught his eye. After some courting’ and a stint in the US Coast Guard, Barbara and Dick were married in Pawtucket’s St. Leo’s Church on July 30, 1949. Their Fleury family began to grow a few years later with the birth of Cindy, Rick, Tim, then Nancy. Now there are 6 grandkids and 5 great grandchildren with Fleury roots spread from Rhode Island, Massachusetts to Costa Rica.

Great guy. Always had a smile for you and a helping hand. Dick passed away on August 6, 1992.

Cynthia L. (Fleury) Massaro, daughter of the late Barbara H. Riley and Richard B. Fleury, granddaughter of the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) and Margaret Cecelia McSally (1900-1938) was born on a Monday. The weather was cloudy and the temperature was in the mid-forties.

Now, Cindy doesn’t like to have too much attention directed toward her, nor does she reveal much information about herself. So, that being the case, whom am I to disclose what her age is today? I do know that on the day she was born, Cecil B. DeMille’s big movie, “Greatest Show on Earth,” was playing out its first run in all the major movie theaters. The second movie feature at that time was Desi Arnaz’s, “Holiday in Havana.” And on that day when Cindy Lee Fleury made her first appearance, President Harry Truman announced that he was not going to run for re-election. I guess Harry knew there wouldn’t be enough limelight for both of them, so he bowed out in Cindy’s favor.

Cindy’s St Leo’s grammar school picture. Guessing it was taken in the 3rd or 4th grade.

How about this one for a throw back?

Then we have a glamour shot.

And because another picture of Cindy will probably annoy her even further:

Happy Birthday, Cindy, and don’t forget, on the day you were born, a shopper could buy 4 jars of A&P’s best marmalade for a $1.05.

Staci (Fleury) Ferreira was born on this date in Providence to Darleen (Fisher) Fleury and Richard “Rick” Fleury. The temperature that day was about 24 degrees and the wind was gusting at a fairly good clip. I guess that March 1st came roaring in like a lion, but Staci was her parents’ little lamb.

Here is a found a picture of Staci’s great-grandfather, the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) holding her for the first time. That is Staci’s big brother Tim standing to great grandpa’s right.

Staci, having grown up in Bristol, Rhode Island, graduated from Our Lady of Fatima High School in Warren, RI. She went on to graduate from the University of Rhode Island.

In June of 2009, Staci married Michael Ferreira, also of Bristol, at Saint Catherine’s Church in Warwick, RI. Following their wedding, a very nice reception was held at the Ledgemont County Club in Seekonk, MA.

Staci and Michael have two boys, Zachary and Jacob.

Happy Birthday, Staci! Does this guy know how lucky he is?

*see blog post March 1, 202

Eliot Timothy Fleury is celebrating his first birthday today! Well, his parents, Karen (Serpa) Fleury and Timothy M. Fleury, are celebrating, Eliot is observing the goings on.

As the photo indicates, Eliot is remarkably confident at such an early age. Just check out his jersey, he’s already referring to himself as #1.

Here is an earlier picture of Eliot that seems to accurately indicate this young fellow has his eyes set on the future.

Happy Birthday, Eliot, may you have countless more.

Nicholas (Nick) Richard Orlando , son of Nancy Lynn Fleury and Anthony F. Orlando, was born in Providence on this date, so Nick’s got himself a Happy Birthday today. The weather that day was a bit cloudy and it was pretty cold, even for a day in December. The high struggled to hit 28 degrees with a late night low of 11. At the time, Nick didn’t really care about the weather, he just wanted some nourishment and to get on with life.

Nick’s maternal grandmother, the late Barbara Riley Fleury (1927-2015) and his grandfather, the late Richard B. Fleury, Sr. (1928-1992) were pretty excited about this new Orlando. I can even remember getting the call from Barbara while I was at work.

Nick, a University of Rhode Island grad, follows the strong Fleury tradition of working with one of America’s top defense contractors. Not too sure what he does or in what division he works, and that’s they way he wants to keep it. Now, he could explain it all, but I wouldn’t know what the heck he was telling me. I am still struggling with compound interest and basic fractions.

So Happy Birthday to Nick, and enjoy those animations classes.

Darleen Fisher Fleury became part of the Riley Family Tree when she married Richard (Rick) Fleury, Jr. on an April day back in the late 1970’s. Darleen and Rick have a daughter, a son and four grandsons.

Darleen is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

It might just be more than a coincidence that Darleen’s birthday is also All Saints Day. Happy Birthday, Darleen!

Let’s say that Timothy Patrick Fleury had a pretty big birthday a week ago, and 19Pondstreet missed it. We usually don’t reveal a person’s age and we won’t now. All I can stay is that Tim is still working past his “special” birthday, cuz ya gotta pay for those guy toys.

Earlier this week the blog posted a Fleury reference of a possible connection to a vineyard in France. Unfortunately, there is no such romantic connection on the Riley side – just some tried and true generations of Americans, who escaped from a dirt poor existence in Ireland in the middle of the 19th century.

Tim’s birthday comes just a few days past his mother’s, Barbara Hope (Riley) Fleury’s was born on October 4th (1927-2015).

Once again, apologies are in order, but they are mixed with congratulations to the new grandfather! Tim’s daughter Erin Garceau and her husband Mike have a new baby named Oliver Michael.

Here is Tim with two of his loves, new born Oliver and Harley-Davidson.