Paul J. Riley
October 18, 1932 – February 8, 2024
Memorial Service
A celebration of life memorial was held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
Paul Joseph Riley Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Joseph Riley on February 8, 2024 in San Diego, CA, at the age of 91.
Paul was born on October 18, 1932, in Fall River, MA, to Ruth Elizabeth Cyr Riley and Joseph Michael Riley. He grew up in Fall River, MA and in Warwick/Conimicut, RI. As a young man, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He served from 1952–1955, and retired from the National Guard in 1964. Upon discharge from the Army in 1955, he attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He then joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1960, and moved to Washington, D.C. While working for the CIA, he traveled the world and pursued an interest in Latin American studies. In 1971, Paul left the CIA to embark upon a new career in law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the International School of Law at George Mason University in May 1976. Paul established his practice in Washington, D.C. and worked as a criminal defense attorney in the D.C. Superior and Federal Courts, and in his later years, as an estate and probate attorney. He argued a wide range of legal cases over the years, and helped many people, until his retirement in 2019.
Paul married Mildred Ann (“Millie”) Willett Stolbach on July 19, 1969. He was a devoted husband to Millie for over 50 years. They made their home in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., where they raised their two daughters, Rachele and Erin. Paul, and Millie, traveled widely throughout their lives—enjoying culture, people, and places around the world. Paul loved living in Washington, D.C., where he participated in many political and cultural events, and where he was active in the Catholic faith community. He also enjoyed many years with Millie renovating their “Cricket Hill” house, located outside of Shepherdstown, WV. Paul, and Millie both, enjoyed hosting and organizing gatherings—opening up their homes to visits from family and friends over the years. Paul was a pillar of strength and spirit in his family and community. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and uncle; and a dear friend. His kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering support and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him.
Paul is predeceased by his wife, Mildred Ann (“Millie”) Riley; his mother, Ruth Riley, his father, Joseph Riley, and his brother, Michael Riley. He is survived by his brother, Edward Riley (Ellen) of Queensland, Australia, his sister, JoAnne Barron of Sandy Spring, MD, his nieces and nephews; his two daughters, Rachele Cyr Riley (Matthew Hedt) of Durham, NC and Erin Phelps Riley (Jason Morgan) of San Diego, CA; and his grandson, Pascal Cavan Eure of Durham, NC.
[Published in The Washington Post on Friday, March 22, 2024]
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Paul J. Riley as an expression of sympathy, the family shares these suggestions:
Amnesty International
So Others Might Eat
Alzheimer’s Association
Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountainside,
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling,
It’s you, it’s you must go, and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow,
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow,
Tis I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so!
— Oh Danny Boy (Frederic Weatherly, lyrics, 1910)
I knew Paul Riley, Esq. from his days as a fellow public defender in D.C. Superior Court. As you who knew him know, he always presented as a friendly, happy, positive person. In short, he was a JOY to be around. In looking at his biography, I especially like his service with the U.S. Army (my late father was seriously wounded in two battles in WWII, the last of which was the important Battle of the Bulge), and Paul’s connections with Mass. and R.I. (I grew up in Spring Valley, NY, and Bennington, Vt.). We at the D.C. Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association honor and miss Paul.
Stuart Fisk Johnson, Esq.
301-336-8222
Millie and I were very close cousins….Paul was wonderful addition to our closeness. I had several overnight visits with them as they stopped and spent nights with me as they were on one of their “adventure” trips. I received invitations to come to Washington to visit but only had one …my mother and daughter Marsha were there, too. Millie and Paul will always be a part of my life even though I am not 91 years of age! With much love, Cornelia Johnston Barnett
Paul and Millie were the bedrock of Avondale and I so enjoyed living there for so many years. Paul’s laughter reverberated through the lobby and the entire building and I can just see and hear Paul coming down the hallway into the lobby. Those were the good old days. I last saw him walking his grandchild in downtown DC and we had a nice chat, always with his beaming smile! My heart goes out to Erin and Rachele, may Paul and Millie forever rest in peace.