Wallace Marriott Riley, 88, of Damariscotta, passed away early on the morning of Jan. 5, in Louisville, Ky., where he had recently moved to be with his daughter. The son of John L. and Agnes Anna (Sima) Riley, he was born in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Growing up in Coraopolis, Penn., Mr. Riley graduated from Coraopolis High School. He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology, earning his BS Degree in Engineering and Science from Penn State in Pittsburgh. A Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army, he served honorably throughout WWII and beyond. His duties included commanding the 2753rd Engineering Service Company for the Africa-Middle East Theater from 1943-1946 and was with the Army Civil Affairs Reserve Training Program from 1948-1960. He earned many decorations, including the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He married (Army) Captain June McGrath Jan. 19, 1945.
Returning to civilian life, Mr. Riley worked as an engineer at Westinghouse Electric International for over 30 years. Throughout that time he served as VP of Corporate Representation, as well as serving as Director of Joint Commission of Economic Cooperation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Besides Saudi Arabia, he and his family lived in several regions of the world, including Nigeria, Australia and South Africa.
Following their retirement he and his wife came to Damariscotta and remained, becoming active in town affairs. The couple served the community as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus each Christmas for over 20 years. Mr. Riley also served as Chairman of the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen for seven years and in his spare time enjoyed cooking, the arts and sailing.
Mr. Riley was predeceased by his wife Oct. 31, 2008, and his son Randy in 1995.
He leaves two daughters, Kathy Riley of Louisville, Ky., and Joselyn Oslear of Australia; granddaughter, Jessica; and two great-granddaughters, Jamira and Ava all of Australia.
Service, with military honors, will be announced in the spring of 2009. He will be laid to rest, with his wife, at the Hillside Cemetery, Damariscotta.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
