Harrison County Man, Decades-Long Youth Coach, Veteran, Community Leader, Robert Riley, Passes
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on November 19, 2023
Robert Mitchell Riley, 73, of Shinnston, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023 at United Hospital Center surrounded by his wife and their children and spouses. He was born February 23, 1950 in Fairmont, a son of the late Robert C. Riley and Kathleen Sestito Barnes.
Bob is survived by his adoring wife of 53 years, Ann Joyce Riley, whom he married on May 23, 1970. Bob and Ann instilled in their children and grandchildren a love and devotion to family that will live on for many years to come. He is also survived by his children, Chad Riley and
his wife Shelley; Clay Riley and his wife Whitney; Clark Riley and his wife Carey; Abby Kovalck and her husband Patrick, all of Shinnston; Ally Maxwell and her husband Josh of Lumberport; his admiring grandchildren, Chase and his wife Hanna, Alyssa, Ashlyn and Addison Riley; Brenna, Avery, McKinnley and Cade Riley; Payton, Emery and Jackson Riley; Claire and Hadley Kovalck; and Colby and Cecilia Maxwell; his brother, Rodney Riley and his wife Kathy of umberport; his brothers-in-law, Joe Joyce of Shinnston; and Patrick Joyce and his wife Lori of Bridgeport; as well as several nieces and nephews.
his wife Shelley; Clay Riley and his wife Whitney; Clark Riley and his wife Carey; Abby Kovalck and her husband Patrick, all of Shinnston; Ally Maxwell and her husband Josh of Lumberport; his admiring grandchildren, Chase and his wife Hanna, Alyssa, Ashlyn and Addison Riley; Brenna, Avery, McKinnley and Cade Riley; Payton, Emery and Jackson Riley; Claire and Hadley Kovalck; and Colby and Cecilia Maxwell; his brother, Rodney Riley and his wife Kathy of umberport; his brothers-in-law, Joe Joyce of Shinnston; and Patrick Joyce and his wife Lori of Bridgeport; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his infant son, Cody Daniel Riley; his mother and father-in-law, Bernard and Cecile Joyce; and his sister-in-law, Judy Rankin. Bob graduated from Shinnston High School in 1968 and went on to serve our country in the US Navy. In 1975, he graduated Cum Laude at Fairmont State College with a BA in Health and Physical Education.
He was employed at Joyce Carpet Center in Shinnston; Thomas Field and Company; and Evanto Construction. He then went on to be a substitute teacher, athletic trainer and wrestling coach at Lincoln High School. He retired from United Central Industrial Supply, formerly Erwin Supply, with 28 years of service.
Bob coached Jerry West Basketball for 30 years, was a Charter Member of the Shinnston Jaycees, and was instrumental in the development of Shinnston’s Ferguson Memorial Park. He was also a member of the Shinnston Park Board. Bob had a steadfast faithfulness for the City of Shinnston and the State of West Virginia. He consistently chose family over everything else. He will be remembered for many things, but most importantly as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home, 300 Pike St. Shinnston, on Monday from 2-8pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 21, at 11:00 am with Pastor Kevin Nuzum officiating. Interment will follow next to his son, Cody, at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to: The Lord’s Pantry at P.O. Box 64 Shinnston, WV 26431. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.perinefunerals.com and www.harmerfuneralhome.com
The Harmer and Perine Funeral Homes are honored to serve the Riley family.
