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)
Paul was a Gentleman Gentleman. He helped me out as a 1st year rookie attorney!.
I left my email. robertjrudick@gmail.com.
Please forward me an address so that I may send a Mass Card in his honor.
I loved ur Dad. He will be missed. Such I kind, considerate and Professional Gentleman.
Please Accept my Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to your family.
Respectfully.
Robert J.Rudick, Esq.
I knew Paul for over a quarter century. Like most of the attorneys who worked with him in DC Superior Court, I loved him dearly. He fought long and hard for his clients, and provided help to people who desperately needed it. It was always a pleasure to see him, talk with him and hear his laugh. He will be missed by many.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Paul Riley and I worked as colleagues at D.C. Superior Court representing poor and indigent clients. Paul was an encouragement to colleagues and clients. I will forever remember and treasure his kindness. Best regards to the family.
Sending so much love & sympathy from my Family, E & R. I am, Jen Stolbach, Manny Stolbach’s granddaughter. My great-uncle Sidney was married to your mom before he died. Your parents were so incredibly warm and special and were so kind to stay a part of my Family’s history, and my connection to someone I never got to know. We are so sad for your loss — and send all of our love to you two as your grieve your dad’s loss. So clearly their memory is already for a blessing to all who loved them — and were loved by them.
Many who practiced with Paul said his greatest asset was that he was a great lawyer. I must now disagree. His greatest asset was that he was such a fine person.