Jean M. Riley, 95, of Keyport, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born in Gloucester City, NJ, and raised in Bradley Beach, NJ, where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Rev. Norman R. Riley. They were married in 1944, and soon settled in Hazlet, NJ, to begin …
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Jean M. Riley, 95, of Keyport, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born in Gloucester City, NJ, and raised in Bradley Beach, NJ, where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Rev. Norman R. Riley. They were married in 1944, and soon settled in Hazlet, NJ, to begin a successful life of ministry.
Jean lived a full and rewarding life, raising six children with her husband, working tirelessly to grow and nurture a large congregation at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Hazlet, as well as contributing to the surrounding community in a variety of ways. During their decades of ministry, Jean and Norman were instrumental in founding the Bethany Manor in response to an unserved need for senior housing. This ministry continues on today in their legacy. Jean was a prolific reader, participated avidly in her devotions, and crocheted gifts for family and friends. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her extensive family, whom she loved deeply.
She is predeceased by her husband, Rev. Norman R. Riley, and their daughter, Norma Clark. She is survived by her loving children Bobbie and David Schwendeman of Bethlehem, PA, David and Sherry Riley of Keyport, Pat and Jim Unterburger of Aberdeen, Jon and Wendy Riley of Aberdeen, Robin and Bill Roberts of Aberdeen, and Steve Clark of Trenton. She is also survived by her adoring 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday, May 11th, 3:00-7:00 PM, and Sunday, May 12th, 12:00-2:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home: 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held on Monday, May 13th, at 11:30 AM at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Avenue, Hazlet, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730. Solutions Pregnancy Center in Shrewsbury, 837 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, America’s Keswick, 601 Country Road 530, Whiting, NJ 08759, or Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, 54 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.
For messages of condolence please visit Jean’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
The Baker & Eckel Families
left a message on June 13, 2019:
To the Riley Family: Our deepest sympathy go out to all of you. Jean was a very special person and will be greatly missed. She always had a way of cheering you up after talking to her. Our family will always have happy memories of Jean and Norman. God Bless you all.
Barbara Jewett Paulson
left a message on May 17, 2019:
A candle was lit by Barbara Jewett Paulson on 2019/05/17
AM
left a message on May 15, 2019:
My sincere condolences to your family. May you find comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:4 of a time when death will be no more and loved ones will be reunited.
Claude and Ann Bennett
left a message on May 13, 2019:
Claude and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We will miss Mrs. Riley's warm and loving smile. She was a great person. She and Pastor Riley welcomed us lovingly into St John's and because of their kindness, we continued to worship there. We want to thank all of you for being our friends throughout the years. May God bless and give you strength during this time of grief. We love you all.
Kristina Vassey
left a message on May 13, 2019:
A candle was lit by Kristina Vassey on 2019/05/13
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Larry Bailey
left a message on May 12, 2019:
A candle was lit by Larry Bailey on 2019/05/12
Larry Bailey
left a message on May 12, 2019:
Deepest Sympathy from Larry Bailey and family. Rest in peace.
Anne Littlewood
left a message on May 12, 2019:
To the wonderful Riley family, Allan & I send our deepest sympathies to you all. We wish we could attend services but we leave for a cruise today. You will all be in our thoughts.
Jean was a phenomenal woman and a very exceptional lady.
With love to you all, Allan and Anne Littlewood
Rachael SantaMaria-Ward
left a message on May 11, 2019:
Condolences and love to the entire Riley family and St.John's community. What a gift from God Rev. and Mrs. Riley were to St.john's. Literally the beating heart of that church for so many years. I was so saddened to hear of her passing, until I realized she was once again reunited with her love. What a warm welcome she must have received. Such a blessing to know her memory and legacy will live on in such an adoring and loving family. I will remember her warm smile and for always having a kind word. With Much Love & Light,
Gerry and Janet Ferrara
left a message on May 11, 2019:
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Riley Family.. your mom was such a treasure. She did so much for us all and did it with a smile. She loved life and now she is with the Love of her life.. may they hold hands together through Eternity, with Jesus in Paradise....
Jan and Ger
Leslie Thompson
left a message on May 11, 2019:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of this amazing woman. St. John's was a second family to me and I miss it to this day.
I extend my condolences to the entire Riley family and with much love.
Edna Chesek
left a message on May 11, 2019:
It is with deepest sympathies that I am sending this message. To the family of Mrs Riley I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up & attending St John's Church I always felt very close to the Rev. & Mrs Riley. When I visited last was when Rev Riley passed. I drove up from North Carolina & spent a nice visit with Mrs Riley. May you rest in peace , always in my prayers. Edna Chesek
Kathy and Jim Santa Maria
left a message on May 11, 2019:
To the Riley Family, our sincere sympathies to you all. I was so glad to have visited Mom with my son Jim 2 Christmases ago. She was just getting over her fall, but was so positive about recovery and was telling us about her daily life and how much you all watched out for her. She was a beautiful person and will cherish our memories of her. Your Mom And Dad were the best of people and I know you all will miss her greatly. They are together again.Kathy and Jim
Herbert Popok
left a message on May 11, 2019:
With utter sadness I saw Jean's obituary I remember our past days-our years in high school. Jim, to you and your family my thoughts are with you. Mom was one terrific woman. Always remembering me on holidays.
Chet and jean Galloway
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Saddened to hear of Jean's passing. What a saint she was. Ministers wives are the unsung heroes of ministry. We loved Jean and will miss her. We send our love and sympathy to all of her family. God Bless Jean. We were blessed to have her. Jean and Chet Galloway
Jim &Adele Huron
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Sending our condolences to the family. We will miss Mrs Riley’s Christmas calls each year. She was so loved. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Elmer J.Graham Jr.
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Please accept my deepest condolences.Your Mother was a very sweet and down to earth woman.May God Bless,Comfort,and Guide you all.Elmer J.Graham Jr.,22 St.Peters Place,Keyport,N.J.
Kelly Driscoll Mergner
left a message on May 10, 2019:
My condolences to John and the whole family. I have fond memories of your sweet mother while I attended St. John's. Your parents were kind and caring people. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you during this time.
Bret
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Thank You to the entire Riley Family for sharing her with tens of thousands of people. She and “The Rev.” were great mentors for me and so many others. She will always have a special place in my heart and every time I see a candle drip, I think of her and how I can get wax off anything! ♥️
Cherie (Cheryl) Reid
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Aunt Jean was a special lady. I have memories dating from when I was a child, staying with her and Uncle Norman each summer when I when to vacation bible school at St. Johns. She was a gentle and kind woman who loved her family and appreciated how much they cared and loved her. I have so many family pictures of her as a young woman, smiling and enjoying life.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Deb Walling
left a message on May 10, 2019:
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Riley’s passing. I don’t think I’ve ever met another person in my life that ALWAYS had a smile for you. You had to smile when you were around her. Even her eyes smiled! God bless her and her family.
Joy Bayless
left a message on May 10, 2019:
I have wonderful memories of being involved in the St John’s church family for many years. Jean was an inspiration to me. She was a tireless worker, always had a smile and kind words of encouragement. Although I know she will be sadly missed, she is now with her beloved husband. What a reunion they are having! My sympathies to all her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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The Baker & Eckel Families
left a message on June 13, 2019:
To the Riley Family: Our deepest sympathy go out to all of you. Jean was a very special person and will be greatly missed. She always had a way of cheering you up after talking to her. Our family will always have happy memories of Jean and Norman. God Bless you all.
Barbara Jewett Paulson
left a message on May 17, 2019:
A candle was lit by Barbara Jewett Paulson on 2019/05/17
AM
left a message on May 15, 2019:
My sincere condolences to your family. May you find comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:4 of a time when death will be no more and loved ones will be reunited.
Claude and Ann Bennett
left a message on May 13, 2019:
Claude and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We will miss Mrs. Riley's warm and loving smile. She was a great person. She and Pastor Riley welcomed us lovingly into St John's and because of their kindness, we continued to worship there. We want to thank all of you for being our friends throughout the years. May God bless and give you strength during this time of grief. We love you all.
Kristina Vassey
left a message on May 13, 2019:
A candle was lit by Kristina Vassey on 2019/05/13
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Larry Bailey
left a message on May 12, 2019:
A candle was lit by Larry Bailey on 2019/05/12
Larry Bailey
left a message on May 12, 2019:
Deepest Sympathy from Larry Bailey and family. Rest in peace.
Anne Littlewood
left a message on May 12, 2019:
To the wonderful Riley family, Allan & I send our deepest sympathies to you all. We wish we could attend services but we leave for a cruise today. You will all be in our thoughts.
Jean was a phenomenal woman and a very exceptional lady.
With love to you all, Allan and Anne Littlewood
Rachael SantaMaria-Ward
left a message on May 11, 2019:
Condolences and love to the entire Riley family and St.John's community. What a gift from God Rev. and Mrs. Riley were to St.john's. Literally the beating heart of that church for so many years. I was so saddened to hear of her passing, until I realized she was once again reunited with her love. What a warm welcome she must have received. Such a blessing to know her memory and legacy will live on in such an adoring and loving family. I will remember her warm smile and for always having a kind word. With Much Love & Light,
Gerry and Janet Ferrara
left a message on May 11, 2019:
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Riley Family.. your mom was such a treasure. She did so much for us all and did it with a smile. She loved life and now she is with the Love of her life.. may they hold hands together through Eternity, with Jesus in Paradise....
Jan and Ger
Leslie Thompson
left a message on May 11, 2019:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of this amazing woman. St. John's was a second family to me and I miss it to this day.
I extend my condolences to the entire Riley family and with much love.
Edna Chesek
left a message on May 11, 2019:
It is with deepest sympathies that I am sending this message. To the family of Mrs Riley I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up & attending St John's Church I always felt very close to the Rev. & Mrs Riley. When I visited last was when Rev Riley passed. I drove up from North Carolina & spent a nice visit with Mrs Riley. May you rest in peace , always in my prayers. Edna Chesek
Kathy and Jim Santa Maria
left a message on May 11, 2019:
To the Riley Family, our sincere sympathies to you all. I was so glad to have visited Mom with my son Jim 2 Christmases ago. She was just getting over her fall, but was so positive about recovery and was telling us about her daily life and how much you all watched out for her. She was a beautiful person and will cherish our memories of her. Your Mom And Dad were the best of people and I know you all will miss her greatly. They are together again.Kathy and Jim
Herbert Popok
left a message on May 11, 2019:
With utter sadness I saw Jean's obituary I remember our past days-our years in high school. Jim, to you and your family my thoughts are with you. Mom was one terrific woman. Always remembering me on holidays.
Chet and jean Galloway
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Saddened to hear of Jean's passing. What a saint she was. Ministers wives are the unsung heroes of ministry. We loved Jean and will miss her. We send our love and sympathy to all of her family. God Bless Jean. We were blessed to have her. Jean and Chet Galloway
Jim &Adele Huron
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Sending our condolences to the family. We will miss Mrs Riley’s Christmas calls each year. She was so loved. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Elmer J.Graham Jr.
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Please accept my deepest condolences.Your Mother was a very sweet and down to earth woman.May God Bless,Comfort,and Guide you all.Elmer J.Graham Jr.,22 St.Peters Place,Keyport,N.J.
Kelly Driscoll Mergner
left a message on May 10, 2019:
My condolences to John and the whole family. I have fond memories of your sweet mother while I attended St. John's. Your parents were kind and caring people. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you during this time.
Bret
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Thank You to the entire Riley Family for sharing her with tens of thousands of people. She and “The Rev.” were great mentors for me and so many others. She will always have a special place in my heart and every time I see a candle drip, I think of her and how I can get wax off anything! ♥️
Cherie (Cheryl) Reid
left a message on May 10, 2019:
Aunt Jean was a special lady. I have memories dating from when I was a child, staying with her and Uncle Norman each summer when I when to vacation bible school at St. Johns. She was a gentle and kind woman who loved her family and appreciated how much they cared and loved her. I have so many family pictures of her as a young woman, smiling and enjoying life.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Deb Walling
left a message on May 10, 2019:
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Riley’s passing. I don’t think I’ve ever met another person in my life that ALWAYS had a smile for you. You had to smile when you were around her. Even her eyes smiled! God bless her and her family.
Joy Bayless
left a message on May 10, 2019:
I have wonderful memories of being involved in the St John’s church family for many years. Jean was an inspiration to me. She was a tireless worker, always had a smile and kind words of encouragement. Although I know she will be sadly missed, she is now with her beloved husband. What a reunion they are having! My sympathies to all her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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