“Timmer” Riley passed away a bit unexpectedly after a brief illness. He was 64. He was quite a character. In his youthful days growing up in Kettering he was an Eagle scout and earned a pilot’s license at age 16. He attended Earlham college where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy. He traveled around England and Europe on his bike until landing a job as a sommelier (wine steward) at the legendary King Cole restaurant. He eventually found his true passion as a restorative and skilled carpenter in Easthampton, Mass. He established Riley and Son Builders and worked as the “philosophical carpenter” on many century homes and eventually at the Clark School for the Deaf. He had the Irish gift of gab and, like his father, loved talking to anyone about any topic, especially academic or political. He loved telling stories, many times embellished to the point of disbelief. He was a “sesquipedalian” (a person who likes using big words), and enjoyed well-made hand tools, sporty cars, and old movies.

We will all miss the engaging conversations and idiosyncrasies that Uncle Timmer brought to the party. He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Mary Alice and is survived by his ex-wife Linda, his 2 children Timothy (Sue) and Elizabeth (Austen) Williams, his brothers Pat (Michelle) and Miker and sister “Rock” (Ron) Smith.

At his request, cremation has taken place.

An appropriate celebration of his life is planned with family members at a later date. 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.