While saddened to hear of your passing; I feel blessed to have known you as our Hospital and School of Nursing Chaplain and theology professor. You were a wonderful, caring support as we met some very significant challenges. You never waivered your promise of God’s understanding love for us.
Thank you and enjoy the Heavenly Peace you so deserve.
Reverend Patrick Riley
April 25, 1918 – December 14, 2010
Reverend Patrick Richard Riley was born on April 25, 1918, in Rochester, MN. He was the son of Charles and Zoe Leepy Riley. Father Riley attended Saint John’s Grade School, Rochester, MN, Rochester Public High School, Rochester, MN and Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN. He received his seminary training at Saint Thomas Seminary, Denver, CO, and Saint Paul Seminary, Saint Paul, MN. Father Riley was ordained on June 6, 1948, at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Saint Cloud, MN, by The Most Reverend Peter W. Bartholome. He celebrated his First Mass on June 7, 1948, at Saint John’s Church, Rochester, MN.
Father Riley served in the following assignments: associate pastor, St. Mary’s, Breckenridge, July 1948-July 1950, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Saint Cloud, MN, July 1950-January 1951; Chaplain at St. Cloud Hospital, January 1951-September 1968; Clinical Training, Rochester, MN, September 1968-September 1970; Counselor for Catholic Charities, September 1970-September 1993. Father Riley retired September 1, 1993. While in retirement, Father Riley continued his work with Catholic Charities.
Father Riley died on December 14, 2010, at the Saint Cloud Hospital, Saint Cloud, MN. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 9:00 a.m. on Monday at the Cathedral of St. Mary, St. Cloud. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 20, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Mary, Saint Cloud, MN, with The Most Reverend John F. Kinney presiding. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, MN.
Father Riley was preceded in death by his parents.
Guestbook
Father Riley, You were a wonderful, compassionate human being and everything a priest could be. The good you did in this world and the lives you touched are many and cannot be measured. May you rejoice in the glory of God!
Father Pat— You were a wonderful man to our family in our time of need for Matthew ..Thank-you and may God Bless You
We love, and will miss, you but are happy that you will be with our Lord and looking out for us from above. Thank you for everything you did for us and everyone else in your lifetime. It was an example of how life should be lived and love should be shared. We will never forget you marrying us and will remember you fondly on each anniversary – not to mention each day. God Bless.
Your grace, humility, compassion, and dedication inspire us! We have been blessed to know you.
Father Pat,
You will be missed by many…you are a great example of how someone should live their life and the moments we spent together visiting I will hold close to my heart. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to know you…I love you Father Pat!!!
We lost a Holy Priest but gained a Saintly Intercessor.
Fr. Riley was spiritual director and friend as we struggled to become nurses and enter the adult world. His conflict resolution skills saved our hides and our souls. May he know all the good he has done. Rest in peace
Services
Visitation
St. Mary’s CathedralServices
St. Mary’s CathedralSchedule Details
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and after 9:00 a.m. on Monday at the Cathedral of St. Mary, St. Cloud. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 20, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Mary, Saint Cloud, MN, with The Most Reverend John F. Kinney presiding. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, MN.