LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John Patrick Riley, Jr.,
legendary hockey coach, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
have served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the
great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John Patrick Riley, Jr., a resident of Marston Mills, Massa-
chusetts, died on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 15, 1920, in Medford, Massachusetts, John
Patrick Riley, Jr. was the son of the late John P. and Elizabeth F.
(Cunningham) Riley; as a young man, he attended local schools and was a
three sport athlete at Medford High School; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, John Patrick Riley, Jr. entered Dartmouth
College where he played hockey before enlisting to proudly serve his
country as a combat Navy pilot in the Pacific during World War II; upon
returning home, he resumed playing hockey, and was Captain of the 1947
Dartmouth hockey team, as well as a vital part of its historic 46 game
win streak; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his studies, John Patrick Riley,
Jr. played for the 1948 United States Winter Olympic Hockey Team which
competed at St. Moritz, Switzerland; he was also a player/coach for the
1949 United States National Team which played in Stockholm, Sweden; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, John Patrick Riley, Jr. began his illustrious
36-year career as the Head Coach of the West Point Military Academy
Hockey team; he also served as the school's Assistant Athletic Director,
and retired in 1986 with a career record of 541-242-21 and the second
most wins as a hockey coach in NCAA history; and
WHEREAS, A vital contributor to the success of the United States Olym-
pic Hockey Program, John Patrick Riley, Jr. led the 1960 Men's Olympic
Hockey Team to stunning upsets over Canada, the Soviet Union, and
Czechoslovakia, as the Americans captured their first ever Gold Medal in
the sport of Hockey; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and honors, this esteemed
leader has been inducted into the Army Athletic Association Hall of
Fame, Medford High School Hall of Fame, Dartmouth College Hall of Fame,
USA Hockey Hall of Fame, Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame, Interna-
tional Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic
Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, the former Maureen Hines, and his
brothers Bill and Joe, John Patrick Riley, Jr. is survived by his six
loving children, Jay (Debbie), Mark (Linda), Rob (Debbie), Brian (Mary-
beth), Mary Beth and Stacey; his brother, Jim; nine grandchildren,
Sarah, Brett, Lauren, Jack, Kathryn, Danielle, Brendan, Jack, and Mick-
ey; and his loving companion Paulina Connolly and devoted friend and
caretaker Colleen Delaney; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, John Patrick Riley, Jr.
leaves behind a remarkable legacy which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and
befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John Patrick Riley, Jr., legendary hockey coach,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John Patrick Riley, Jr.