Obituary of Thomas P. Riley Sr.

Thomas Peter Riley Sr., 82, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Riley Sales Inc. of Plymouth Meeting, PA passed away on Saturday, November 3, at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Sheila (nee McGlinchey), his wife of 54 years, and his four children were by his side. Since 1964 he and his family resided in Lafayette Hill, PA. Born on March 28, 1930, to Leo J. Riley, Sr. and Kathleen _ Keenan Riley, in Philadelphia, PA, he grew up in Overbrook, Merion and Brookline, Delaware County, PA. During the war years, and with a shortage of manpower, he helped his dad in his butcher shop, located at 63rd and Lancaster Ave in Overbrook, Pa. Here he honed his people skills that served him well later in life. In 1955, shortly after serving in the Army during the Korean conflict, and from his mother's front porch, he began his business as a manufacturers' representative serving industrial manufacturers. A natural born salesman, with an engaging personality and a quick wit, he built his wholesale distributorship of HVAC products, from a single office in Lafayette Hill to an industry powerhouse with 7 locations, servicing the Tristate area from its headquarters in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He took great delight in his slogan "If We Don't Have it You Don't Need it" and having his trucks painted with "Here Comes Riley." An avid golfer, longstanding and active member of WVCC, who also enjoyed many a round down the Jersey Shore and Innisbrook Country Club in Palm Harbor, Fl. He was a fan of horse racing and Phila. sports teams, especially his Phillies, where he enjoyed season tickets since 1972. He and his family enjoyed many vacations at the Jersey Shore and Clearwater Beach, Fl. He is survived by his wife Sheila (McGlinchey ) Riley two daughters: Sheila Riley of Berkeley, CA, Debbie Riley of Lafayette Hill, PA two sons: Thomas P. Riley Jr. (Evangelia) of Pasadena, CA, Michael Riley (Denise) of Chester Springs, PA three sisters: Rosemarie Osborn, Margaret Gallagher, Jean Gibson three brothers: Leo Riley, Richard Riley, Frank Riley 7 Grandchildren-Rowan,Thomas III,Alexxandra,Nicolle,Olivia,Bridget and Keira He was predeceased by his siblings- Kathleen Connell,Edward and William Riley F.S.C. Friends may call Friday 11/9/12 from 6-8pm at Lownes Funeral Home, 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA. and Saturday 11/10/12 from 9:30-11 am at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA.. Funeral mass will be held at 11am am sat. In lieu of flowers donations to the SDF- Danny Celebration of Life Fund, San Diego Foundation, 2508 Historic Decatur Rd. Suite 200, San Diego ,CA.92106