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Russell Howard Riley

Date of Death: December 31, 1969

Dr. Russell Howard Riley, 81, of Stephens City, Virginia, finished the final chapter of his life Sunday August 07, 2011 in Winchester, Virginia.

Dr. Riley was born in 1930 in Berwyn, Illinois the son of the late Howard and Marion Riley. He received a Masters Degree from Illinois State University and received his Doctorate Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He spent many years in Colorado involved in higher education. He was a professor at Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia, where he retired in 1995. He was a member of The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley. He was a Veteran having served in the Army stationed in Germany. He loved reading, photography, traveling and spending time with his family.

Dr. Riley married Norma Jean Langhorst on December 27, 1958 in Grant Park Illinois.

Surviving with his wife are two children a daughter Lauren St. Jacques and husband Michael of Winchester, Virginia and a son Scott Russell Riley of Stephens City, Virginia; six grandchildren, Richard Levin, Russell Scott Riley, Rachael St. Jacques, Austin Devart, Annika Devart and Ali Devart; three great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister in law Linda, two nephews and one niece.

A sister Patricia and brother Michael preceded him in death. Granddaughter, Ashlie Levin also preceded him in death.

A Celebration of life will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley with Reverend Lyn Plumb officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 11, 2011, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, Endowment Fund, 6380 Valley Pike, P.O. Box 1574, Stephens City, VA 22655

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Dr. Russell Howard Riley, 81, of Stephens City, Virginia, finished the final chapter of his life Sunday August 07, 2011 in Winchester, Virginia. Dr. Riley was born in 1930 in Berwyn, Illinois the son of the late Howard and Marion Riley. He received a Masters Degree from Illinois State University and received his Doctorate DegreeContinue Reading

See Condolences
Lauren Riley St. Jacques left a message on August 9, 2011:
Best Dad a girl could've wanted! I will miss you. Love, Lauren
M.A.R. left a message on August 15, 2011:
In honor of Russell Howard Riley, M.A.R. lit a candle.
George F. Hoffman left a message on August 14, 2011:
I worked with Dr. Riley at LFCC for many years. I always enjoyed his visits to my office or to the library desk. He had a way of brightening up our days. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Allen and Fay left a message on August 13, 2011:
A treasured friendship spawned on a coral atoll nearly fifty years ago ... that deepened during our many years together in Colorado ... and, happily, remained strongly tethered during our subsequent geographic separation. Russ, you were the best!
Catherine & Henry Joseph & Family left a message on August 13, 2011:
We have many wonderful memories of Russ, his larger than life smile, quick wit, and more importantly his devotion to family and loyalty to friends. We are fortunate to have known this exceptional man and his loving family. We miss him dearly, and will always have a special place in our hearts for Russ. We love you and will cherish you always. Catherine and Henry Joseph & Family P.S. Remember your teasing about how I pronounced the word "Idea" with an 'r' added. You wondered how a southerner could possibly sound so much like a Bostonian. Our two families enjoyed such happy times ( and memories) over the decades.Rest peacefully old friend.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Michael Rutkaus left a message on August 12, 2011:
Such a smile and eyes when we waved to each other across the seats exiting SU's Aida! Mike Rutkaus
Grace Friel left a message on August 9, 2011:
Russ knew what counted. What was on his Bucket List? Seeing family to tell them in person he loved them. Sending love to my dear family, Grace
Sophia Pettett left a message on August 9, 2011:
Remembering my friend Russ...there is so much that I love: the burning intensity of his eyes awaiting the response to a thoughtful (or jovial!) question; the way making him laugh heartily felt like a real accomplishment; the care with which he would relay little details--his favorite birds on the video we watched with Norma, his memories of travel, the context while taking a particular photo, what key to use for the little blue suitcase. I love that his love and esteem for me made me feel proud. I love Russ' strong beliefs, and his respect of mine--even when they differed. I love his intellectual legacy, his service to the community as teacher and vet and (grand)parent and, most of all, the family who is honored to cherish his memory. I miss you so much already, Russ...but rather than be selfish, let me be grateful for your peace and the memories you have left which will never fade.
Mike St. Jacques left a message on August 9, 2011:
My favorite quote that Russ would say to me when I was a little too full of myself: "It is better to live in honest arrogance than hypocritical humility".
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Best Dad a girl could've wanted! I will miss you. Love, Lauren
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
I worked with Dr. Riley at LFCC for many years. I always enjoyed his visits to my office or to the library desk. He had a way of brightening up our days. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
A treasured friendship spawned on a coral atoll nearly fifty years ago ... that deepened during our many years together in Colorado ... and, happily, remained strongly tethered during our subsequent geographic separation. Russ, you were the best!
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
We have many wonderful memories of Russ, his larger than life smile, quick wit, and more importantly his devotion to family and loyalty to friends. We are fortunate to have known this exceptional man and his loving family. We miss him dearly, and will always have a special place in our hearts for Russ. We love you and will cherish you always. Catherine and Henry Joseph & Family P.S. Remember your teasing about how I pronounced the word "Idea" with an 'r' added. You wondered how a southerner could possibly sound so much like a Bostonian. Our two families enjoyed such happy times ( and memories) over the decades.Rest peacefully old friend.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Such a smile and eyes when we waved to each other across the seats exiting SU's Aida! Mike Rutkaus
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Russ knew what counted. What was on his Bucket List? Seeing family to tell them in person he loved them. Sending love to my dear family, Grace
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
Remembering my friend Russ...there is so much that I love: the burning intensity of his eyes awaiting the response to a thoughtful (or jovial!) question; the way making him laugh heartily felt like a real accomplishment; the care with which he would relay little details--his favorite birds on the video we watched with Norma, his memories of travel, the context while taking a particular photo, what key to use for the little blue suitcase. I love that his love and esteem for me made me feel proud. I love Russ' strong beliefs, and his respect of mine--even when they differed. I love his intellectual legacy, his service to the community as teacher and vet and (grand)parent and, most of all, the family who is honored to cherish his memory. I miss you so much already, Russ...but rather than be selfish, let me be grateful for your peace and the memories you have left which will never fade.
public.user left a message on January 30, 2013:
My favorite quote that Russ would say to me when I was a little too full of myself: "It is better to live in honest arrogance than hypocritical humility".
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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