Mount Holly, North Carolina – On August 15, 2024, Arthur “Pete” Lloyd Riley died at the age of 90 after a life well lived with his loving family including his wife of 66 years, Kim, three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Born to Hoyette and Maie Riley, Pete was older brother to his only sibling, sister Joyce in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He attended Chapel Hill High School, where his student teacher was University of North Carolina football legend, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice. As a Chapel Hill native, he was—and would remain—a devoted UNC Tar Heels fan.
After high school in 1955, Pete joined the U.S Air Force. He met his wife Kim during his hitch in Washington, D.C. at Andrews Air Force Base with the 95th Fighter Squadron. He finished his four years of military service as Tech Sargent in Fire Control Radar.
Post-military service, Pete had a long career with Burroughs Corporation which later became Unisys Corporation. He began his career working on mainframe computers including models with the first virtual memory multi-programming operating system. He had hands-on experience as computer technology evolved.
In his retirement, Pete enjoyed carving birds. His creations produced some award-winners in local craft shows. He was particularly fond of using cedar in his work. Family members and others cherish his keepsake sublime designs.
Pete and Kim were quite accomplished shag dancers and duly taught their children and grandchildren how to dance. On Tuesday nights, you could find Pete at the Belmont American Legion Post 144. He also looked forward to the annual family beach trips to Garden City, South Carolina. He relished living at the lake; and you could find him in the evenings greeting his neighbors with the lake as backdrop.
Pete is survived by his wife, Kim Riley; his three children; Deanna Cain (Gary), Terri Shenigo (Tom), Michael Riley (Amy); his grandchildren; Christianne Mariano (Matthew), Roxanne Cain (Matt McArdle), Stephanie Zaino (Larry), Stephen Shenigo (Kim), Sean Riley, Alexandra Riley, Grace Riley; three great-grandchildren; Rocco Mariano, Darwin Mariano, James Zaino. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Kennedy (Max) and three nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Salem United Methodist Church; 378 North Pilot Knob Rd; Denver, NC on Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. with immediate graveside ceremony to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Belmont American Legion Post 144; 202 Park Dr; Belmont, NC 28012 or Salem United Methodist Church at https://salemunitedmethodist.com/.
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