Obituary of William R. Riley

"Palmer- Dr. William R. Riley, 82, died January 3, 2004 at home. Born May 30, 1921, in Canton, MA, he was the son of the late Raymond and Agnes Starkey of Shelburne Falls. Bill attended Springfield College and graduated from Tufts Dental School in 1945. A veteran of the Korean War, he served as a dentist in the Navy. Dr. Riley, who was an avid tennis player, lived in Palmer with his wife June since 1945 and practiced dentistry on Park Street until he retired in 1995. He was a member of the Mass Dental Society for 50 years and elected to the International College of Dentistry. He was a member of the Second Congregational Church. A Mason, he was a member of the Thomas Lodge. He served on various boards of the Wing Memorial Hospital from 1960 until 1997 and as chairman of the board of trustees from 1983-85. He also served as a trustee of the Palmer Savings and the County Bank from 1981 -96. He leaves his wife of 58 years, June, and two sons, Bill and his wife Yachi of Holliston, MA, Mark and his wife Phyllis of Sunbury, Ohio, as well as four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Calling hours are Wednesday from 6-8:00 p.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dr. Riley's memory to Wing Memorial Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer, MA 01069. "