Obituary

In Loving Memory of Charles Raymond Riley

Charles Raymond Riley, age 86, of Laguna Woods, California, entered eternal rest on January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles, known to many as Chuck, was born on August 24, 1939, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Chuck was deeply devoted to his large family and his wife Christine with whom he shared 36 loving years of marriage. He lived a life rooted in faith, family and service. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his steadfast faith and service to the Catholic Church. He took great joy in being present for his family and proudly attended his children’s activities like concerts and sporting events and milestone celebrations like birthdays, graduations and weddings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christine Riley, her son Damian Miriello, whom he cherished as a son; his children with his late wife Beverly Joann Riley (1988): Kevin Riley (Kathy), Kathy Riley Biesecker (Brian), Erin Riley Terry (Jeff), Brian Riley (Tamara), Maureen Riley Saccio, and Megan Riley Maines (Kevin). He is also survived by his sister, Carole Kay Arnold (Ray); nieces Christy Grudynski (John) and Cheryl Lattimore (Jim); and was affectionately known as Papa Riley to his 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Chuck was also preceded in death by his parents, Raymond C. Riley and Margarine Ward Riley.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from San José State University and was a respected business leader in the aerospace industry. His career included senior executive roles at IBM, Fairchild Aircraft, and Loral Aerospace, and he retired from Lockheed Martin as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. After moving to South Orange County, he worked at Volvo and enjoyed many years in Real Estate.

Friends are invited to join the family at a Vigil on Thursday, January 22, from 7 PM to 9 PM, at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.  A Rosary will be prayed at 7 PM, followed by a celebration of life at7:30 PM, when remembrances may be shared by those in attendance.

All are welcome at the Mass of the Resurrection which will be celebrated on January 23, at 11 AM, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.  A light reception will follow.  There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Charles’ memory to The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, P.O. Box 55206, Houston, TX 77255, Attention Fr. Evan Simington.

May he rest in the peace of Christ