Robert A. Ricci, husband of Maryanne Daley and son-in-law of the late Joan (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and the late Frederick ‘Nick” Daley (1927-1991) was born on this day.
Bob grew up on the Pawtucket/North Providence line and developed into a very good athlete, becoming one of Rhode Island’s better goalies. In fact, Bob went on to play goal at Elmira College and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.
My father, Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) always enjoyed Bob. Whether it was the conversations they had or Bob’s mannerisms. Bob seemed to always put a smile on my father’s face. I remember Bob always ended his conversations with my father by saying, “See ya later, gramps,” and this took place even before Maryanne and Bob were engaged. Just a nice reflection on Bob’s personality.
Bob and Maryanne were married in Pawtucket back in the late 1980’s and have two adult children, Robert Andrew and Caroline.
Here is Bob as of a few weeks ago:
Bob still laces up the skates and hopes for call-up to the National Hockey League. Here he is in goal.
Happy Birthday, Bob. Keep skating and living the good life out west.
Frederick Albert Daley, “Nick,” was born on May 4, 1927 in Central Falls to the late Delia Bridget Calahan Daley (b. 1882 in Ireland – 1964) and the late John Thomas Daley (1882 – 1968).
According to The Pawtucket Evening Times (2 cents per copy), the temperature was beginning to warm, but the following days were to bring scattered showers to the area. The national news story of the day was that major flooding had occurred from Minnesota all the way down to New Orleans. The Blackstone Valley Red Cross was putting together a major fundraising drive to help with the recovery efforts. Another big story was the divorce proceedings Charlie Chaplin was embroiled in with his soon to be ex-wife. Seems Mrs. Chaplin wanted to have to court release the names of the five actresses Good Time Charlie was “associating with.” The famous comedian was ordered to temporarily pay alimony at $1,500 per month. In sports news of the day, although it was early in the baseball season, the Red Sox were already in last place. Down at the Leroy Theatre, there was a Hoot Gibson movie playing entitled: “The Denver Dude.”
By 1930 Nick’s family had moved into Pawtucket to Grand Avenue, just a few short blocks from the home of his future spouse, Joan Riley. An interesting tidbit from that 1930 census shows that his mother, born in the Ireland, also spoke Gaelic (Irish).
How does Nick Daley figure into the Riley Family Tree? Well, on November 9, 1953, Nick married Joan Louise Riley at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church on Central Avenue in the City of Pawtucket. A nice aside to this marriage is that Joan’s dad, Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985) was a very good friend of Nick’s dad way before Joan and Nick even met. The guys used to frequent the Monitor Club on Meadow Street to quench a terrible thirst and play some cards. Nick’s dad was known as the “Fox” because he was a bit of a wiz with the cards. What he’d do was have a half a glass of what looked like whiskey sitting beside him on the card table. In reality, it was tea. He would never drink from it, but it gave the impression that he was indulging, while observing the clouded mistakes of the other players. Ah, the wonders of Pawtucket!
Nick’s high school graduation picture
Nick’s 1945 draft card states he was six feet tall and about 145 lbs, not big by today’s standards, but he was athletic enough in his day to play some varsity basketball for Bryant College. He loved local politics. Later on, in the late 1970’s, Nick was elected to the Pawtucket City Council.
Nick and Joan had six children: Fred (1957-1957), Tammie, Maryanne, John, Lynne and Elizabeth. Today, this Daley-Riley connection has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 1 new great grandchild.
Unfortunately, Nick passed away in November of 1991, when was he was 64 years old.
A Happy, Happy Birthday to Katherine “Kate” Agnes Riley, who is the daughter of Joan Burggraf Riley and Stephen Francis Riley.
The day Kate was born was very pleasant with partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 67 degrees. If you had the radio on in your car or at home, you couldn’t escape hearing Ebony and Ivory by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Back then, when people actually listened to news broadcasts, the lead story would have been about the approaching war between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands. At the time, big screen TV’s were considered huge at 19 inches, and On Golden Pond, Chariots of Fire, and Porky’s were the big movies of the day.
Here is Kate and her dad on “Funny Hat Day”
Kate with her mom and dad enjoying a nice evening out.
Happy Birthday, Kate! Have a good time and enjoy all the well wishes.
Erin FleuryGarceau 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.
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.
The newly married couple with Riley family friend Father Bracq. I think this photo was taken outside the reception.
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.
It’s a birthday for another of the West Coast Riley family tree contingent. Maeve Francis Mahony, who, not wishing to interfere with her parents’ weekend, entered this world on a Tuesday, such a thoughtful child.
Maeve’s parents, Elizabeth (Daley) Mahony and Thomas Mahony welcomed their second child that sunny 60 degree day. Older brother Liam, who had been around for a few years, probably was a bit anxious over Maeve’s arrival and what it would do to his status. Word is he has managed just fine, even with later addition, Luke.
Here are the Mahony siblings celebrating some type of ethnic observance:
Liam, Maeve and Luke
Just as a reminder, Maeve’s maternal grandparents are the late Joan (Riley) Daley (1919-2019) and Frederick “Nick” Daley (1927-1991) and her great grandfather was the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985).
Now, some of this blog’s more observant readers may have said, “Well, he made another mistake. He used the masculine form to spell Maeve’s middle name.” No, no, no, it is not a mistake at all! You see, Maeve has a deep love of animals and a strong spiritual connection to their patron, Saint Francis. When it was time for Maeve’s confirmation, it was Saint Francis’s name she chose. A beautiful reflection of Maeve’s spirituality and personal credo.
Newly Confirmed Maeve Francis Mahony and Father O’Reilly (really, O’Reilly)
Here’s Maeve after a day of skiing at Lake Tahoe
According to her mom, Maeve loves skiing, bike riding, and playing her tenor saxophone. But her true love is cross country running and she hopes to join her high school team this fall.
Maeve has fallen in love with the new family dog Flint, who accompanies her on her training runs in the neighborhood. They make a great team! Maeve attends the local Performing & Fine Arts Academy and enjoys the dance and art theory classes that are sprinkled throughout the school day. Maeve is an absolute joy to be around and makes her family proud.
The Cuban Missile Crisis was just beginning. Boston Celtics basketball player Gene Conley became a two sport professional athlete by signing a contract with the Red Sox for an estimated $23,000. All the movie goers were talking about a film titled Days of Wine and Roses starring Jack Lemon and Lee Remick. Vietnam was still a distant place on a map and not many people were paying attention.
But the weather was almost mild that day in Providence when John Patrick Daley was born. The temperature hit 48 degrees and the sun was darting in and out of the clouds. His mom, the late Joan Louise (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and dad, the late Frederick “Nick” Daley (1927-1991) were happy to tell their two girls, Tammie and Maryanne, that a baby brother was coming home in a few days. By the time the Daley family finished growing, two more girls, Lynne and Beth, had come along. John was frequently out-voted by a four to one count – like that mattered to him.
Time has marched on, John an occupational rehabilitation specialists, is married to Debbie Troufield. John and Deb now have two sons, John Frederick called “Nick” and Patrick John. John was also stepfather to the late Joshua Troufield.
Here is photo of John escorting his mother Joan:
Happy Birthday, John…they are beginning to pile up.
Joan Louise (Riley) Daleywould have been 92 today (1929-2019). There would have been quite a gathering on Catherine Street later on in the day. Her children, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and maybe a cousin or two would have come together to celebrate her day. There’d be a pot of tea on the table, some sweet treats and, of course, the Red Sox would be on the radio. Spring training started this week and Joan would be talking optimistically of their chances. She did love her Sox, but in the last couple of years, seeing her grandchildren Jack, Ben and Nick play ball meant much more.
The boys will miss seeing “Nan” sitting in the stands again this year, but in the back of their minds they will hear Joan’s encouraging call.
Joan and Nick hob-nobbing with the elite in Newport
Ben Nelson has a birthday today. Early word was that Middletown High School was really pumped waiting for Ben’s arrival this morning. I mean, come on…look at this guy – a ballplayer, handsome, Nikes match the shirt and he’s got hair, real good hair. In fact, the hair is so good, we may have to check to see why he got such great hair DNA. Yup, it must be nice to have people gaze upon you and admire your head of hair; as opposed to what I normally hear about the sun’s harsh glare reflecting off the top of my noggin.
Happy Birthday, Ben! The sea is behind ya and the future is ahead of ya.
Born on this day in Providence, to Lynne (Daley) Nelson and Russell Nelson. Ben’s grandmother was the late Joan (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and his great grandfather was the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985).
Ben is hoping he and other high schoolers get to have a baseball season this year. Last year’s season never got off the ground because of Covid, hopefully “play ball” is heard across Rhode Island, so Ben and others can take the field.
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?
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.
”Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot
Happy Birthday, Eliot, may you have countless more.
It was an unusually mild day in Providence for a February 15th, when Stephen Francis Riley was born. The late Rita Patricia (Coleman) Riley (1917-1974) and the late Francis Charles Riley (1915-2004) welcomed their baby boy into the world and then brought him back to Pawtucket.
As always, Stephen is properly attired.
After graduating from St. Ray’s, it was on to Georgetown University where he received a Bachelor of Foreign Service. Then a few years later, Steve earned his law degree from Catholic University. Nowadays you can find Steve at the Potomac Community Resources, Inc. (PRC), where he is its Executive Director. If you have the time, click on this link ( https://pcr-inc.org ) to see the fine work of PRC.
Stephen and his wife Joan are living in the District of Columbia, where his eldest daughter Kate keeps both of them on the straight and narrow. Annie, their youngest daughter, lives on the West Coast, works globally and visits her parents and sister frequently.
Have a Happy Birthday, Steve. My guess is a nicely chilled chablis would go well with that tie.
Tammie (Daley) McNaught, the first of those Daley girls, entered into this world in the middle of national cold wave. Temperatures were close to 10º that February day, but her parents, the late Joan (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and the late Frederick (“Nick”) Daley (1927-1991), were aglow with the warmth of love for their baby girl.
Now, after an unspecified number of years, Tamie is a teacher, now a remote learning instructor-zoom expert, a wife (husband Peter McNaught), a mother (Jonathan and Andrew), a mother-in-law (Meara married to Jonathan), and soon-to-be grandmother! That’s some exciting news for the Daley clan, and we look forward posting that event in the near future.
Grandmothers don’t normally look this good
Happy Birthday, Tam! Here’s hoping Peter delivered big time.
19 Pond Street 