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Joseph J. Riley worked for Associated Spring for 30-plus years where he was an outstanding organizer in all areas, including sports.

He was placed on loan by the company in 1954 to be superintendent of Bristol Parks, a position that was unpaid at the time. Associated Spring continued to be his paymaster. In this parks position, he became close to Mrs. DeWitt Page and she valued his judgment on what the Bristol park system needed. She made great contributions to the Bristol’s parks.

As superintendent of parks, he was instrumental in obtaining and maintaining many of the beautiful parks for which the city was well-known for.

He was also active in the National Recreation Association, including serving as its president. He was well-known and respected in state sports and recreational circles.

To back up the above, when a testimonial was held for him in 1975 when he announced his retirement and plans to move to Cape Cod, among the speakers at the 500-person event were: Carlyle F. Barnes, chairman of the board of Associated Spring; Hartford Courant Sports Editor Bill Lee, the most noted sports writer in the state; and former major league pitcher Frank ‘Spec’ Shea.

The Joseph J. ‘Sarge’ Riley Field on Shrub Road, recreation property belonging to the City of Bristol, is named in his honor.

Bob Montgomery, who has written this biography, had talked to Riley in his later years by telephone. Mr. Riley kept up with Bristol news, sports and non-sports, and its people.

During his time in Bristol he was one of its most distinguished and admired individuals. His contributions to Bristol came in what he did for sports, recreation and non-sports endeavors.

Upon his passing, Thomas R. Monahan, longtime director of athletics in Bristol, had this to say about his longtime friend:

“I felt in 1975, when the Rileys moved to the Cape, that a bit of the luster and energy of this city had been dimmed. Now, that light has been extinguished permanently on this Earth. And we cherish his memory”.

Joseph J. Riley, a WWII veteran, was buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military honors. He was back home.