Obituary of John Lee Riley

A farewell ceremony, recognizing the life of Jack Riley, will be held on June 1 in Saratoga. Jack passed away peacefully in Santa Cruz with his family at his bedside on May 6th following complications from a lengthy illness. He was 65 years old. Born in Southern California, Jack moved to Saratoga as a youth, and was a longtime resident of Saratoga. He was an avid cyclist; logging thousands of miles on group road rides with semi-professional, and serious recreational bicyclists in the Santa Cruz area. Jack was extremely knowledgeable about bicycles and the construction and mechanics involved. When he wasn't riding, he could be found building up bicycles from his extensive collection of Italian cycling components. As a youngster, Jack taught swimming, and worked as a lifeguard at Brookside Swim and Racquet Club in Saratoga. He was a master barbeque chef and received a vocational technology degree as a building maintenance technician in 1975. For many years, he was a familiar face at Rotten Robbie's in Saratoga, near Westgate Shopping Center, where he was employed. Jack will forever be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His gentle nature and genuine capacity to live life fully yet simply, was an example he left for all to follow. He will be deeply missed by his daughter and his grandson, Sonja Riley and Riley Cook of Soquel; his brothers and sisters: Tom Riley of Sebastopol, CA; Barbara Riley of Portland, OR; Chuck Riley of Mendocino County; Mary Ann Riley of Lake County, CA; Joan Samay of Red Bluff, CA; along with many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Riley in 1991, his brother, Jim Riley in 2001, and his father, Francis Riley in 2012. Friends and family will gather at Wildwood Park (20764 4th Street, Saratoga, CA.) on Sunday June 1rst from 12 noon until 5 p.m. to share memories and reflections of Jack's trek from this life , and wish him a fond farewell on his new journey.