Given that today is Memorial Day, and since this National Day of Remembrance has its origins back to the time of the Civil War, I thought you would enjoy viewing the attached photo.
John Greenhalgh (1845-1907) was “Grandma Riley’s (Margaretta Greenhalgh Riley (1876-1962) father, which makes him my great-grandfather.
May he Rest In Peace
[I have “borrowed” the image from Erik Volk, a fellow Ancestry member who has done research on the Greenhalgh family.]
Nancy Fleury Orlando has a Birthday Today.*
Nancy is enjoying her Birthday in the lovely town of Bristol, Rhode Island, where it is going to be about 63 degrees and partly sunny. It doesn’t happen every birthday for Nancy, but this year America is giving her a three day weekend. Plenty of time for her husband Tony, son Nick and daughter Catherine to pull together something special for Nancy’s day.
Happy Birthday to one of Raytheon’s Happy Road Warriors.
Patrick Joseph (PJ) Riley (1900-1985) *
Patsy, as his sisters called him, would have been 120 today. A second generation American, PJ witnessed many changes. As a young man he experienced the common sight of horse and buggy’s on the streets of Pawtucket and later saw man walk on the moon. He survived his own attack of the Spanish Flu and lived through the Great Depression, WWI, and WWII. He had five children and lost two wives. Patrick Joseph was blessed with a personality that allowed all he met to feel important and relaxed. He had a mountain of patience, he had to, he was my dad.
*See entry May 19, 2019
Maryanne Daley Ricci has a Birthday Today.*
Maryanne is celebrating her day out in Southern California, where it is going to be 68 degrees and partly sunny. The “kids” are out on their own, so the pressure is on husband Bob to come through big!
Katherine (Kate) Agnes Riley has a Birthday today.*
Kate is celebrating her special day with her parents, Stephen F. Riley and Joan Burggraf Riley at their home in our nation’s capital, Washington, DC.
Look at that smile! Happy Birthday, Kate, from all of us.
Brenda Jane Welsh was born on this date in Attleboro, Massachusetts to Constance (Mulligan) Welsh (b. 1924) and the late Joseph D. Welsh (1921-2003). Brenda’s maternal grandmother was the late Kathleen A. (Riley) Mulligan (1899-1988) and her great grandmother was the late Marguetta E. (Greenhalgh) Riley (1876-1962).
Brenda and her sister Beverly grew up in Foxboro, MA. The family lived on a very nice piece of property located on Mill Street. It was her parents who kept up the annual family cookout/reunion, which drew relatives from all the various branches of the family.
After Foxboro High School, Brenda attended Mercyhurst College. Soon after graduation, she began her career as an elementary school teacher.
On April 21, 1984, Brenda married A. Toman Fayed. They have two sons, Ryan and Timothy, and two grandsons Grant and Nolan. Besides raising their family and dedicating themselves to their professions, Brenda and Toman became quite accomplished tennis line judges, officiating at major tournaments throughout the U.S.
A Happy “Stay at Home” Birthday to Brenda!
Since Brenda seems to have perfected the art of avoiding photos of herself, particulary with the Rileys (well she always was one of the smart ones), here are a couple from way back in the archives.
Erin Fleury was born on this day in the City of Warwick to Karen (Matteson) Fleury and Timothy Patrick Fleury. Erin’s grandparents were the late Barbara (Riley) Fleury (1927-2015) and the late Richard B. Fleury, Sr. (1928-1992).
Although born in Warwick, Erin grew up in Central Massachusetts, where she attended the local schools and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School. Erin had a great academic and athletic career. Soccer was the sport in which she excelled. Not only did Erin make varsity each of her four years, but she became a standout on several of the Massachusetts AAU club teams. After high school, Erin chose University of Mass – Lowell to pursue her academic and soccer interests. Injuries prevented Erin from having a full four year playing career. However, in a testament to her own determination and in dedication to her teammates, Erin became an integral member of the coaching staff. Others may have walked away from the situation, but Erin embraced the circumstance and turned it into a positive.
Speaking of positives, on September 5, 2016, Erin married a great guy, Michael Garceau in a wonderful setting at the Tewksbury, MA Country Club. Now, almost four years later, Erin and Mike are eagerly awaiting a new addition to the lives, later this summer.
Happy Birthday to Erin. Enjoy the calm.
John Patrick Daley was born on this day in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Joan Louise (Riley) Daley (1929-2019) and the late Frederick “Nick” Daley (1927-1991). John’s paternal grandmother was the late Delia “Bridget” Calahan. A true woman of Eire, whose Irish lilt would make you smile, she would be very proud of her grandson. John’s maternal grandfather was the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985).
Along with his four siblings (Tammie, Maryanne, Lynne and Beth), John grew up in Pawtucket on Catherine Street, just off Columbus Avenue. He went to school in Pawtucket and graduated from Tolman High School. Even as a young boy and adolescent, John had the type of personality that, at a minimum, was outgoing and infectious. He has always had a cadre of friends. Everyone knew John and John knew everyone. To this day, John is still fast friends with many of his childhood buddies. All one has to do is sit with him at a ballgame anywhere in the Blackstone Valley, whether it be little league or a top flight high school game, and you’ll witness the constant flow of enthusiastic greetings and embraces from his many acquaintances and friends.
Being a Daley, he played baseball. Whether it be minor league, where most of the little guys paid more attention to the post game snacks than the baseball, or in a very good Darlington Little League, John played hard and played well.
A “Senior Little League” game played in Slater Park best illustrates John’s hard-nosed attitude and devotion to the game. I was sitting in the stands with his dad and his uncle, Dick Fleury. It was an ordinary game like so many before it, but it took a turn that caused it to be etched in my mind forever. John was behind the plate, handling the game and his pitcher with ease. At the time, John was maybe 5’6″ or 5’7″ with a skin-and-bones look that testified to his 120 pound physique. There was a runner on second, and then a hit to left. There would be a play at the plate. As the throw came in from left field, John straddled the plate. He moved up the baseline a foot or two to assume a defiant and defensive position that even Carlton Fisk or Jason Varitek would have admired. The throw from the outfield reached John’s catcher’s mitt a second or two before the baserunner lowered his 5’10” and 165 pound frame dead smack into Johnny’s mitt and chest! The resulting dramatic impact not only drew gasps and some expletive shouts, but it sent John flying up in the air and backwards towards the backstop. As the dirt flew and the dust settled, John could be seen laying still on the ground. His dad hopped the fence and was on his way to his motionless son, but at that moment John gave us a glimpse of that defiant attitude that has come to serve him well. He got to his knees, then stood up straight, dusted himself off and went back behind the plate to continue the game. It was great! He was great! The only thing missing was some loudspeaker blasting the theme from a “Rocky” movie. His uncle Dick, who had played some semi-pro softball himself as a catcher, said that he had never seen such a home plate collision. It might have been a knockdown, but John wouldn’t let it be a knockout.
One of John’s best decisions in was marrying Debbie Troufield. On a very cold evening on December 21, 1997, John and Debbie began their married life together at the Grace Community Church in Seekonk, Massachusetts. John is very fortunate to have found a life partner with such kindness, grace and love for others. She is a gift.
John and Deb now have two sons, John Frederick called “Nick” and Patrick John. John was also stepfather to the late Joshua Troufield.
And of special note, John and Debbie have been fostering children in their Attleboro home for many years.
Here’s to ya, Johnny. Happy Birthday and take two and hit to right.
Andrew Greenhalgh was born on this day in 1879 in Lonsdale, Rhode Island to the late Margaret Cullen (1848-1915) and the late John Greenhalgh (1845-1907).
This is the first time that a Greenhalgh has been featured in this blog. Why so? Well, one of Andrew’s five siblings was Marguetta E. (Greenhalgh) Riley (1876-1962), known by most of the older, present day Rileys as Grandma Riley.
As best as I can remember, Uncle Andrew was “a presence” at #19-21 Pond Street. After checking the census records and the city directories, it appears Uncle Andrew began living with the Pond Street Rileys sometime in 1935. He remained in-residence, and an integral part of the family, until his death in 1962.
However during World War II, Uncle Andrew spent time in Waterbury, Connecticut. At the age of 61, Andrew went there to work in a factory in support of the War effort. A printer by trade, he utilized those skills in his factory job. At the time, Andrew lived with his fellow workers in an open dormitory type setting at the Waterbury Boys’ Club.
Back in the early 1940’s, working toward the War effort was the routine. What made Uncle Andrew’s effort noteworthy was his physical handicap. When he was a child, Andrew fell off the back of a tip cart
and severely injured his right leg, resulting in a permanent handicap. For the rest of his life, his leg was encased in a heavy metal brace that ran from just above his knee to the bottom of his shoe. It looked like it weighed a ton.
The brace may have slowed him down a bit, but didn’t stop him. Uncle Andrew’s prized possessions were his huge cars fully equipped with hand controls. If I remember correctly, he braked with his left leg, while the speed and shifting were controlled with hand levers. His automobiles always had lots of chrome and large, decorative continental kits hanging off the back. The cars had lots of color and personality, something that some say Uncle Andrew lacked.
When I was growing up, whenever there would be a reference to Andrew, the referring phrase would always be, “Poor Uncle Andrew.” It was said in obvious sympathy, because of the physical struggles he endured. Through the years, Grandma Riley, along with Marion and Gertie, really went to great lengths to support and encourage him. Being a printer by trade, and never owning his own business, his financial well-being wasn’t the best. He was supported and augmented financially by his nieces Marion and Gertie. It was very typical of his two kind nieces.
In 1962, on a Sunday morning, a couple of weeks after Uncle Andrew’s passing, the task of going through his belongings fell to his nephews, Patrick J. and Francis C. Riley. There weren’t many clothes and just a few personal items. At the foot of his bed was an old trunk, which his two nephews had to pry open with a hammer and screwdriver. As they were sorting through the last of his worldly possessions, the sympathetic and endearing phrase of “Poor Uncle Andrew” took an unsuspected twist. Low and behold, the trunk held some neatly tied stacks of cash! Seems Poor Uncle Andrew had been stashing away cash for a rainy day – or year. The exact amount may have been north of $30,000. The then, laughing brothers turned the money back over to Marion and Gertie…heck, it was probably their own money.
Poor Uncle Andrew.
Dennis Patrick J. Riley was born on this day in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Margaret F. (Bartley) Riley (1911-1978) and the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985). His great grandfather, Patrick Leo Riley (1875-1955), was a first-generation American, which makes Dennis a third-generation American.
Benefiting from growing up in the Darlington section of Pawtucket and having twelve years of Catholic school education, Dennis’s life went relatively smoothly. Not too much to report, other than being blessed with great parents and having two wonderful sisters (Barbara & Joan) and two tempestuous brothers (Bill & Jim) whom had already reached adulthood by the time he was born, thereby allowing him to be spoiled to the enth degree! He thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Blessed to be married to Kathleen Mary McLoughlin Riley and thank you to the Sisters of Mercy…
Ben Nelson was born on this day in Providence, Rhode Island 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).
Growing up in Middletown, Ben attended the local elementary and middle schools, and is now enrolled in Middletown High School. Having a good mixture of both Riley and Daley genes, so naturally… Ben plays baseball. Blessed with great speed and quick hands, Ben patrols second base for Middletown’s High School Varsity team and was 2nd Team All-State last year!
Here’s wishing Ben a great baseball season and a very, very Happy Birthday.
Staci (Fleury) Ferreira was born on this date in Providence to Darleen (Fisher) Fleury and Richard “Rick” Fleury. Staci’s grandmother was the late Barbara (Riley) Fleury (1927-2015) and the late Richard “Dick” Fleury (1928-1992). Her great-grandfather was the late Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985).
Staci grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island and 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. Here is a nice family picture of the Ferreiras:
Stephen Francis Riley was born on this date in the City of Providence to the late Rita Patricia (Coleman) Riley (1917-1974) and the late Francis Charles Riley (1915-2004).
Stephen grew up in Pawtucket. He may have the singular distinction among the Rileys of having grown up on both sides of the Blackstone River. His infancy and very early years were spent on Sayles Avenue, between West and Pawtucket Avenues. While in his pre-adolescent years, his parents moved to Wilton Avenue right near Slater Park. It was fun to visit the house on Sayles Avenue, because there was always the possibility that the doors of a nearby fire station would swing open, and the fire trucks would come rushing out with their sirens blasting and lights flashing.
After moving to Wilton Avenue, Stephen attended Saint Teresa’s Parochial Elementary School and later, like his father, graduated from Saint Raphael’s Academy. Stephen enjoyed quite a bit of academic success at Saints and received recognition for his involvement in various community organizations.
Given his many impressive high school accomplishments, Stephen’s acceptance into Georgetown University was a just reward for all his hard work. The wonderful education the University provided must have also improved Stephen’s social graces and ability to communicate with the opposite sex. It was there at GT that he met the woman who was to become his wife and life partner, Joan Melissa Burggraf. The couple married on August of 1978 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Garden City, Long Island, New York. Their two daughters, Kate and Annie have brought joy, pride and much love to Joan and Stephen.
After receiving his law degree from Catholic University, Stephen built an international practice representing several countries from the African continent. He was also instrumental in facilitating improved communications for several of those developing countries. After many years in that field, Stephen switched his area of interest and presently is the Executive Director of Potomac Community Resources, Inc., which “promotes the full inclusion into community life of teens and adults with developmental differences by providing over 35 therapeutic, recreational, social, educational, and respite care programs.” You may find out more about the PCR at this link: https://pcr-inc.org
Happy Birthday to Stephen and may the wine be properly chilled.
William Francis Riley and James Augustus Riley in Pawtucket on this date in 1931 to the late Margaret Cecelia McSally (1900-1938) and Patrick Joseph Riley (1900-1985).
The “twins” grew up on Perrin Avenue in the Darlington section of Pawtucket along with their two older sisters, Barbara (1927-2015) and Joan (1929-2019). The identical brothers were inseparable and enjoyed their early years as youngsters, most likely oblivious to the deepening Depression. The kids were blessed to have a dad with a steady job, a great mom, a grandmother McSally (Margaret A Corbishley (1877-1940), and a relatively new house which was built in 1925.
All seemed well until June 0f 1938, when their mother died. Margaret Cecelia Riley was 38 and the twins were 7 years old, Barbara was 10 and Joan 9.
The twins attended JC Potters School, Goff Junior High and Pawtucket East High School (now named Tolman), graduating in 1948. Let’s just say that school wasn’t the highest priority for the boys, but they got through it. Here are their graduation pictures.
As best as I can determine, the boys were the first set of twins in the family. Not until Elizabeth and Caitlin were born to Kevin and Gail Mulligan did another set of twins appear.
Billy and Jimmy had a separate language, which they used to communicate with each other in times of, shall we say, stress or mischief. The term for such communication/language between twins is called Cryptophasia. Their father said that it used to drive their teachers mad. The twins also used their language while caddying together on the golf course to make comments about the golfers’ game, or lack there of.
After high school, both Bill and Jim joined the Navy and found themselves doing shore patrol (SP’s) in Newport! Jim said that they used their “special communication skills” to help deal with the unruly servicemen in the bars and on the streets of Newport. In the 1950’s, certain parts of Newport were better known as a “bucket of blood.” Newport was not the charming seaside city it is today. Couldn’t figure out why these two guys were assigned to shore patrol duty, when they stood just about 5’8″ and weighed around 145 lbs. It wasn’t until quite a few years later that one of their longtime buddies told me, “Nobody wanted to pick a fight with either one of the twins, cuz you’d lose and lose badly.” Enough said.
Bill had his fill of the Navy after a few years and came back to Pawtucket, where he worked in the City’s Housing Authority. Billy never married, struggled with life, and left us in March of 1966.
Jim adapted and stayed in the service for some 24 years, before he retired and moved back to the city. He told me that the Navy took him around the world three different times, and he saw things he never would have seen if it weren’t for the service. Jim also never married. There was a special young woman in Yokohama, Japan. It was a different time back then and attitudes aren’t what they are now. So a singular life he led, until his passing in December, 2004.
Margaret Cecelia McSally Riley was born on this date in 1900 in the city of Warwick, Rhode Island to the late Margaret A. Corbishley (1877-1940) and the late James A. McSally (1875-1928).
In 1925 Margaret married Patrick J Riley (1900-1985) in Pawtucket at St.Mary’s Church. Margaret and Patrick lived most of their married life in the Darlington section of Pawtucket and had four children – Barbara Hope Riley Fleury (1927-2915), Joan Louise Riley Daley (1929-2019) and twin boys William Frances Riley (1931-1966) and James Augustus Riley (1938-2010).
Unfortunately Margaret Cecelia died when she was only 38 years old on June 14, 1938.
19 Pond Street 