Bishop Ward High School mourns the loss of our beloved teacher, administrator, colleague, and friend, Mr. John Riley. Many former students lovingly remember him as Señor Riley. John began his career at Bishop Ward during the 1988-1989 school year in the Foreign Language Department, teaching Spanish. Through the years, he transitioned to our Technology Administrator and Database Manager. He was an extremely faithful member of the Faculty and Administration for 34 years, commuting every single day from Atchison, KS. John never hesitated to lend a helping hand: tutoring students; addressing technology needs; offering translation services; maintaining the school network and grading programs, cantoring at all-school Masses; and attending Cyclone games and activities, are just a few of the long list innumerable things John took care of for his beloved Cyclones. When walking by John’s office, you usually heard his favorite music playing. He shared his love of music and gift of singing with all of us, along with his love of snacks, especially cookies and sweets! He was generous with his colleagues and with students. It was not uncommon for John to set up or repair internet issues at friends’ homes on his own personal time. He was also kind and supportive of the students in all of their fundraisers and activities. One, out of many special things about Señor Riley, is that he always made himself available to help those in need. He was normally the first at school in the morning and the last to leave in the evening, often spending a weekend day or time during breaks at school as well. John also outwardly shared his deep, deep faith in God and he was especially devoted to our Mother, Mary. Ministering at school and at his home parish was very important to him and he truly relied on his deep faith and prayer during his courageous battle with cancer. Friday, September 30th, 2022 marked Señor Riley’s last day at Bishop Ward High School, starting a new chapter of his life and beginning his retirement. Although retired, he never truly left Ward, as he was willing to help as much as he could from home. No one will ever really know the vast amount of things John took care of for Bishop Ward over the years. He quietly just did what needed to be done and gave his best effort at all times.
We extend our most sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and friends, especially to his wife, Mary Lou, and his children, Jonathan, Kathrine, and Hilary, his grandchildren, and his brothers. To the Riley family, thank you for sharing John, your husband, Dad, Papa, and brother with us for so many, many years. He loved each of you very much and spoke of you often.
“Vaya con Dios, Señor Riley.” “Go with God, Mr. Riley.” You are, and will always be, greatly loved and missed by your Cyclone Family.
Mr. Riley’s obituary and funeral arrangements can be found here: https://www.arensbergpruett.com/obituary/john-riley.