Joseph E. Riley, age 78, of Middleboro, Massachusetts, passed away on July 19, 2026 at Tobey Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Biddeford, ME on April 1, 1948, to Rita (Talbot) and Leo Riley, Joe grew up in Franklin, MA. He graduated from Franklin High School and started serving in the army in September of 1966. Joe went to radio school in Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he was trained in morse code. From there he trained in the jungles of Hawaii then shipped out of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1967 headed for Vietnam. Joe was a Sergeant in the 11th Light Infantry Brigade. Upon returning from the war, he interviewed with the CIA, but declined the job offer, because he didn’t want to spend the majority of his time back overseas.

In the summer of 1977, Joe met his future wife, Anne, in Old Orchard Beach. They got married and built a life together in Massachusetts, eventually settling in Middleboro for over 40 years. Joe retired in 2009 as an Employer Service Representative with the Department of Employment and Training in New Bedford after over 34 years of service with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Joe loved fishing, boating, sharing SCUBA diving stories from his younger years, playing card games, and traveling with his family. He loved music, and liked it loud. He drove an ice cream truck when he was younger, and played Jimi Hendrix over the speakers and gave out free ice cream to kids who couldn’t afford it. He would tell his daughter to “be careful,” but also once let her rollerblade holding onto a rope tied to the back of his moped. He was a lover of animals and would often take in and care for wildlife that needed food and shelter. He also loved watching his daughter swim, or going to see her band, Riley Coyote, although he jokingly complained about both.

Born on April Fool’s Day, Joe’s wit and sense of humor were unmatched. If you were in his vicinity, chances are he would have you laughing or get you to crack a smile, no matter what kind of mood you were in.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, and his brother Leo Riley, and his sister Susan Riley. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne Riley, his daughter Kristen Riley, his son-in-law Clinton Landry, and his sisters Rita Ouillette and Patricia Bartelloni, and his dog Abbie. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers-and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, many members of his extended family, and his friends. Some of Joe’s favorite memories and stories were with the Stevens’ family. Joe will be eternally missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.