Emmet L. Riley

Emmet L. Riley, 97, of Dover, Ohio, peacefully passed away on June 18, 2015 at Park Village in Dover. Emmet was born on August 18th 1917 in New Philadelphia to Roy and Edith (Angel) Riley who later settled in Winfield.

He cared deeply for his family and friends and truly enjoyed the many conversations he had with all. As a lifelong educator, he pursued knowledge as passionately as he bestowed it. There was a great joy for him in offering guidance as well as spending time "up in the country" where he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In 1934, Emmet graduated from Dover High School at the age of 16. He attended Kent State University for two years before beginning an extraordinary career in education at the age of 19 at Wooster Highway School teaching 5th and 6th grades. He then taught at Strasburg and coached high school basketball, leading his teams to multiple winning seasons where he remains the third winningest basketball coach in school history. He accepted the role of Superintendent of Mineral City Schools before earning his Masters of Education at Columbia University in New York City. After graduating, he served as principal at George Innis and Rand schools in Montclair, New Jersey.

In 1957, Emmet and his family moved back to Ohio where he served as Assistant Superintendent of the Canton City School District. He returned home with great excitement to serve as the Superintendent of Dover City Schools from 1960 to 1970, spearheading efforts to expand the high school as well as many other lasting improvements to the district.

After 46 years is education, he retired in 1979 as Superintendent of Lima Shawnee in Lima, Ohio. However, those close to Emmet know that his retirement was not in his blood and for the next 20 years he continued to substitute teach within the Tuscarawas County school system. In those years, he often played basketball with students and impressed them by having "taught their grandparents."

Emmet also took tremendous pride in his community and served for many years on various non-profit boards and committees.

He was a long time member of the Dover Rotary Club where he served as President and District 6650 Governor and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also participated in a number of international Rotary committees that led him and his wife, Esther, around the world. He is also a 75 year member of the Masonic Cypress Lodge of Strasburg as well as a 70 year member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.

He and Esther were devoted members of The Dover First United Methodist Church where he chaired and served on many committees. Over the years, he also accepted various board roles with Trumpet in the Land, Buckeye Boy Scout Council, Copeland Oaks Retirement Village, The Salvation Army and Junior Achievement.

His impact on this world cannot be accounted for in words. Emmet's true gift is felt by those blessed to have met him, to have heard his stories and have him to listen to yours to have learned from him, to receive his firm handshake, and for the truly blessed, to call him family.

Emmet is survivied by his wife of 73 years, Esther (Mizer) Riley, whom he married on November 20, 1941. He is also survived by his son Eric and Kathleen (Acker) Riley of Winfield and their children Abigail and her husband Gregg Hullinger and great grandson Dylan Hullinger of Stow and Miles Riley and friend Tiffany of Dover; their daughter Emily and her husband Todd Klopp of Ashburn, Virginia and their children Olivia and her husband Robert Childress and Zane Klopp all of Chicago. Emmet is also survived by his sister, Edith "Tudy" and husband Bernard Leibundgut of Berne, Switzerland.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Denver, John, Charles, and Richard.

Calling hours are Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover. Pastor LuAnn Youngman will officiate funeral services Monday at 11am in the Dover First United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Emmet may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmet Riley Education Memorial Fund, c/o Dover-Phila Credit Union, 119 Fillmore Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622