Obituary of Charles W Riley

Dr. Charles W. Riley entered peacefully into the nearer presence of God on Sunday, May 21, 2017 with his wife Joan, sons Charles and David and devoted pastor and friend at his side.

Dr. Riley was born in New Brunswick, NJ to Charles H. Riley and Charlotte B. Riley on December 3, 1920.

After graduating from high school and beginning his first year of college at Farliegh Dickenson College he was called to serve in World War II in the infantry in the European theatre as a radio communications sergeant and forward observer.  After being honorably discharged he attended the University of Micigan to study chemical engineering for a year.  Changing his mind he returned to Farliegh Dickenson to complete his undergraduate studies.  He then attended Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia having been chosen one out of 1200 applicants.  After completing dental school he entered into the dental intern program at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. After completing his internship, he returned to school at the Graduate School of Medicine at Pennsylvania University for special studies in Oral Surgery and Anesthesia.  Upon completing his education, he was given a three year residency at Harlem Hospital in New York City after which he entered into the practice of Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery in Montclair, New Jersey with Dr. Joseph Mudge.  When Dr. Mudge decided to move forward with a different path of practice in dentistry, Dr. Riley took the practice as a solo practitioner.  He ended his practice in 1991 due to contacting an unexpected illness.

During his professional years in Montclar, he enjoyed many professional and personal affiliations.  He was a professor for many years of Oral Surgery at Farliegh Dickenson University until the school closed its dental school.  He served as President of the Essex County Dental Society, the first dentist to serve as President of the Board of Trustees of Montclair Community Hospital in Montclair elected to serve for two terms, was a member of the Odontological Society of Essex County, a member of the Montclair Rotary, served as head of the Dental Departments of both Montclair Community Hospital and Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, a proud member of the Republican Party in Essex County, a member in good standing at first Glen Ridge Country Club the transferred to Montclair Golf Club where he remained a member for 35 years, and served as President of the Dunworkin Club of Montclair.

His passions were for his wife Joan of 26 years as well as his sons and their families and Joan’s family.  He had a deep and abiding love for his profession, country and his faith.  He was a private pilot and own his own aircrafts, he loved hunting both in the US as well as Africa and Russia, fishing in Alaska with friends, as well as golfing.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother J. Robert Riley.  He is survived by his wife Joan, his sons Charles Riley and his wife Michele, Donald Riley and his wife Lori and David Riley.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Andrew Riley, Alyssa Riley, Sarah Riley, Evan Riley, Jordan Riley, Brianna Riley and Selena Riley.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.