Mr. Anthony J. Riello

Anthony J. Riello, 80, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday June 9, 2012 at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Prior to his brief stay at Mount Greylock, Mr. Riello had resided at Sugar Hill Assisted Living in Dalton since 2010. Anthony J. Riello was born in Pittsfield on December 29, 1931 to Felicia Pizello Riello and Rocco Riello. Mr. Riello grew up in Pittsfield graduating in 1950 from Pittsfield High School. Mr. Riello was an outstanding athlete although his love of sports and desire to play with his teammates would come second to his family’s fruit and vegetable business which he helped run, along with his father, when he wasn’t in school. Shortly after graduating from Pittsfield High School, Mr. Riello, enlisted in the United States Navy serving overseas from 1951 – 1955 during the Korean War, aboard the USS Rodman – Destroyer Minesweeper. Mr. Riello was proud to be a US Veteran and always considered himself fortunate to have traveled the World during his time in the Navy. In 1955 Mr. Riello returned to Pittsfield to continue in the family’s business. He reconnected with the love of his life, Eileen Heffron and they were married on June 30, 1960. Mr. Riello was employed by General Electric in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s at Greylock Plastics followed by a 32 year career with the Pittsfield Public School Department, retiring in 1995. Mr. Riello served on the Boards of Directors for the County Schools Credit Union, and the Massachusetts Employees Retirement Municipal Association. He was a former member of the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association; the Sons of Italy ITAM Lodge; and the Rainbow Club of Pittsfield, a men’s social club. His greatest joys were his family, his friends, the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox. Mr. Riello is survived by his wife, who served as his tireless caregiver during the first several years of his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and with whom he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on June 30 of this year. In addition to his wife, he leaves a daughter, Victoria Riello Ross and her Fiancée, John McLean of Pittsfield; a son, Anthony W. Riello and daughter–in-law, Heidi Spruce Riello, and his two beloved and cherished grandsons, Gabe and AJ Riello, of Pittsfield. He was predeceased by his parents, Rocco and Felicia Riello of Pittsfield; a brother Angelo Riello of Chicago, IL; a sister, Connie Riello Greenleaf and her husband and Tony’s good friend Billy Greenleaf of Pittsfield. He also leaves his sister and brother in law’s children with whom he shared a close personal relationship: nephew, Brian Greenleaf, of Anderson, SC; niece and Goddaughter, Kellie Greenleaf Brown and her husband Joe Brown of Pittsfield; and niece Michelle Greenleaf and her partner Sally Maish of Lake Lure, NC and Scituate, MA. The Riello Family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Supportive Day Program at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center where Mr. Riello spent a great deal of time while he was still being cared for at home; Patrick Sheehan and the ever-amazing staff at Sugar Hill Assisted Living for two years of top notch professional and exceptional care; Dr. Eugene Heyman, and the wonderful nursing staff at Mount Greylock Nursing Home; and the caring and compassionate nurses of Hospice Care of the Berkshires who helped all of us through his very difficult last days. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Anthony J Riello will be Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 12 noon at the Dwyer Funeral Home,with Rev. James K. Joyce, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held prior to the service on Thursday from 9 AM to 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tony’s name to Hospice Care of the Berkshires or the Supportive Day Program at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mr. Anthony J. Riello

December 29, 1931 - June 9, 2012