Hugh Emmett Riley, Jr.
Burial Details
Obituaries
Herald Democrat page 12 - April 30, 1998
Hugh E. RILEY Jr., 70, died suddenly at his home in Tonopah, Nev. April 6.
He was born in Red Cliff on Sept. 26, 1928, to Margaret and Hugh RILEY Sr. A graduate of Red Cliff Union High, he refused a basketball scholarship to the University of Colorado to service in the US Navy from June 1946 through the Korean War.
He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Gunner's Mate Chief aboard the destroyer USS Blue. Medals and awards for service to his country include: Korean Service Medal (6) stars (Wonsan, Songin, Kosong, Kansong, Inchon Landing, Chosen Reservoir), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Unit Citation (2) stars, Japanese Occupation Medal, Pacific Theater Medal and Letter of Commendation with Pendant Medal, WW II Victory medal.
Returning to Red Cliff, he began a career in mining working at the New Jersey Zinc Company at Gilman. He was promoted and transferred to other New Jersey Zinc properties in New Mexico and Tennessee as personnel and safety supervisor.
He returned to the Gilman mine briefly in the early 1980s before joining Round Mountain Gold Corporation in Round Mountain, Nev. He capped his career in mining by leading RMGC to 1.3 million man hours without a lost time incident.
He was a past commander of the Military Order of the Cootie, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was an active organizer in the United Way fund drives and supported many Catholic endeavors.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Timothy J. RILEY.
Survivors include a son, R. Bruce RILEY (Angela); a daughter, Carroll Lynn KAMLIN-RILEY (Gary); and grandchildren Brianna Lynn, Emily Sue, Brian Anthony and Colin Michael.
He is also survived by his niece, Gina Marie CARR-RILEY, and nephews Lance, Patrick and Sean RILEY, all of Colorado.
Services will be conducted by Bailey Funeral Home, a mass to be held at the Annunciation Catholic Church, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
A wake will be held at the Leadville Elks Lodge after graveside ceremonies.
