Francis Paul Riley (1922-2022)

RILEY, STEINE, VANOURNY, ROSS, MOWREY, HORNSTEIN, VARNER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/15/2022 at 09:03:31

Francis Paul Riley, 99, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at his home. A private family graveside service with military honors was held Friday at St. Joseph Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tommy’s Restaurant on Tuesday July 12th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.
Francis is survived by his daughter, Viola Lee ( Bernie) Steine of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Lorette (Todd) Vanourny, Sherry (Mike) Steine Ross and Joseph (Beth) Steine; great grandchildren, Jacob (Lehia) Vanourny, Trenton Steine and Morgan Steine; and brother, Bill Riley.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Viola Mae in 2009; son, Johnny in 1980; and brothers, Eugene, Dick and Harold.
Francis was born on October 29, 1922 near Mount Auburn. The son of William and Leita Mowrey Riley. He married Viola Mae (Hornstein) Varner on April 1, 1957. He retired in 1984 as a press operator for Sealed Air Cryovac.
Francis entered the Navy in spring of 1941. After Naval training he was stationed at Pearl Harbor as Signalman aboard the USS Vestal. One December 7, 1941 the USS Vestal was moored to the Arizona. Francis was up on the jackstaff ready to fly the Union Jack when the attack on Pearl Harbor started. Francis shared stories of the Japanese bomber being so close he could see his face as he waved and smiled at him. Direct hits and explosions from the USS Arizona damaged the USS Vestal. The first tugboat called was sunk. Francis was proud he was able to call a second tugboat that pulled the Vestal across the harbor. Francis served as the Signalman on Merchant Marine ships throughout the war and was in all 4 Theaters of War in ports including Africa, China, Japan, Italy, France, Ireland and England. After the war, he was at Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll when the United States dropped nuclear bombs and he saw the mushroom cloud explosion. Francis was awarded many medals for his service.
He enjoyed hunting, golfing, bowling, walking, being out in nature, and spending time with his Britney Spaniels. Francis was very proud to be a veteran! He loved his family, country and respected his beloved American flag!
The family would like to express their appreciation to Joanne for her compassionate care of Francis.
Francis was one of the inspirations for the founding of Deafinitely Dogs! that serves Veterans through the placement of PTSD Service Dogs. Instead of flowers, memorials can be directed to Deafinitely Dogs at www.deafinitelydogs.org or mailed to 2802 Lippisch Place SW, Cedar Rapids IA 52404.