Dr. Veryl Mae Long Riley, 88, of Russell, PA., died Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Golden Living-Kinzua Valley after a brief illness. She was born August 12, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA., to the late George Ford and Zella Zoe Kinsey Long. Dr. Riley attended Pittsburgh Public School through Grade 8, skipping all of first and the first half of seventh grades, she then moved to Dormont, PA., in 1940 and graduated at the age of 16 from Dormont High School where she was the class Valedictorian in February 1943. She entered the University of Pittsburgh as a pre-med student which she completed in 2 ½ years instead of the normal 3 ½ years. She was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine in September 1945, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree at the end of her 1st year in medical school. Graduated in June 1949 with her Doctor of Medicine degree, followed by a 1 year Rotating Internship at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and also served a 2 years residency in obstetrics at West Penn Hospital. She met Dr. George Riley who was interning at West Penn Hospital, she married him on July 12, 1952, when they moved to Russell, PA. and opened dual practices in obstetrics and general medicine until George’s death on August 8, 1972. She continued to practice in obstetrics until retiring in August 1985 and continued to assist in surgery until October, 2009, when for health reasons she had to give it up. She was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, the Pennsylvania Medical Association and the American Medical Association. She loved to travel, hike and spend time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved her beloved pets, who were family to her. Dr. Riley is remembered for her very caring, helpful attitude, especially as a physician who took her time listening to her patients, providing care and comfort to them. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her community.
She is survived by her 2 children – Gail L. Riley-Wright of N. Warren, PA., Lee E. Riley of Dexter, OR., 2 Grandchildren – Erin Elizabeth Renninger and husband, Bill of Warren, PA., Patrick George Wright of Bear Lake, PA., 3 Great Grandchildren – Lilee Ann, Lydia Mae, Logan James Renninger all of Warren, PA., several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by 1 infant brother, 1 Sister – Vivian Simmons.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 5 to 8 P.M. A funeral service will be conducted at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 444 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:00 A.M., with The Rev. Matthew Scott, Vicar, officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 444 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA 16365, or the Eisenhower Football Boosters, Eisenhower Middle/High School, 3700 Route 957, Russell, PA 16345-9406. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Dr. Riley was truly a kind and gentle person. She always offered a calming, comforting and trusting feeling when treating her patients. She was greatly missed when she retired from practice.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I hope that all the good memories they have will give them peace while they grieve this loss and allow them to celebrate her life.
With fond memories of my own,
Rose Valone
Dr. Riley was the kindest, most caring Doctor and human being a person could have ever have asked for. She was my doctor until she retired, and I missed her terribly. She would take as much time with you as you needed. And was the calm voice when you needed it.
She not only delivered me, she delivered my daughter, and assisted in the delivery of my granddaughter Ryleigh.
She will be greatly missed.
My sincere sympathy goes to her entire family.
Kerry Reinhard Abbott
Dr Riley was such a caring person with a huge heart. I have several great memories of all of the traveling all of us did when I was younger. My sincere condolences from the Harrington family during this trying time. Just know she is still looking down on all of us with her loving smile that comes to mind every time I think of her.
Patty and Mike Harrington
Dr. Riley was a wonderful and very compassionate doctor ~ my heart was broken when she retired. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time….but we all know she is in a better place now with God. 🙂 I will always remember her with loving thoughts………….
My prayers and condolences go out to Dr. Riley’s family. She was a wonderful person and Dr. She delivered myself and my sister and then was our family Dr. until her retirement. I will always remember her kindness and compassion. She was loved by so many and will be missed by so many. She made such an impact on so many lives during her own.
Gail,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Please extend my sympathy to all of your family.
Val Weber (your fake sister)
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Riley’s family. She and George were two of the most competent and compassionate physicians in the Warren community. I was fortunate to have them both as friends and colleagues. Their memory will live on especially at Eisenhower High School where the football field is named in their honor. May God grant them eternal life and peace.
Frank Stroker
North Port, Florids
thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Riley’s family in their loss. She was a kind and compassionate physician. I enjoyed working with her as she assisted in the operating room. Elaine Taraska
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Riley. I worked with her at WGH. She was always great to work with and very kind and caring to her patients and their families. May she rest in peace.
Gael Clark
Lee and Gail I was so sad to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a kind person. I have fond memories of skiing with your family and of her generous nature to be willing include me on those fun ski trips. I think of your family often as I still ski at The Peak with my family!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,
Amy
Dr Riley delivered both my kids and she was the best dr I ever had. My condolences to the family.
Lee and Gail,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, our sympathy and thoughts are with your entire family.
The Martin’s
Dr. Veryl delivered my brother and I, took care of my mother when she had a miscarriage so many years ago (before me), and delivered my nieces. She and Dr. George took care of my family for years. She was only a phone call away, even when I was in law school and needed her help. She had a calmness and clarity about her that put you at ease. My mother, Helen Rickerson, called her “her best friend”; if you knew my mother, that said it all. May she rest in peace, she has been a good and faithful servant of our Lord.
Gail and Lee:
Sorry to here about the loss of your mother. She was a dear friend all the Seasteads. The many fun times we had as children. These fond memories shall be remembered for the rest of our life,
God Bless You.
John Seastead
She was simply the best. I worked with her during my 6 years of practicing ob/gyn in Warren. She was a fine assistant on c-sections, and an even finer person.