Walter B. Riley

Naugatuck - Walter B. Riley, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on January 2, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. He was beloved by his wife, Liz Riley and daughter Shannon Riley.

​Walter was born in New York City and raised in Keansburg, New Jersey, the middle child of five siblings. He was predeceased by his father William Riley and his mother Eileen Riley as well as his sister, Margaret Graham of New York. Walter is survived by his siblings William Riley of Florida, his brother Peter Riley of Pennsylvania, and sister Patricia Penza (and husband Anthony Penza) of Staten Island.

​Walter is a Marine Veteran, proudly serving his country from 1975-1979. He has been an employee of Sikorsky for the past 11 years, working as an electrician on Black Hawk helicopters. In his spare time, you could find “Walt” on the golf course, watching a Yankee game or cheering for his New York Giants. He enjoyed watching the History Channel and prided himself on being a history buff. Walt was also a Jeff Gordon fan who enjoyed watching NASCAR on Sundays. 

​Walter’s greatest treasure was spending time with his wife Liz and daughter Shannon. They enjoyed a good steak dinner together and he and Shannon often went to Yankee games for fun. Walter was always proud of Shannon, especially watching her grow into a strong, hard-working young woman. Walter often spent time “walking back and forth” between his sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s house (Ann and Larry Craft, and their son Liam) who happened to live right next door. He would grab a bite to eat, chat quickly, and pet their dog Smede, who became one of his best friends.

​The family thanks the Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Care for the exceptional care and support given to Walt in his final days.​ Calling hours will be Sunday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street in Naugatuck. There will be no graveside service. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.com.

​In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Walter’s name to: Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Care, 680 Main Street, Watertown, CT 06795.

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