In loving memory of Joseph (Joe) Jesse Riley, 68, who passed away of a sudden heart attack on Thanksgiving Day, November, 25, 2022, at his home in Eureka.

Joseph was born April 12,1954 in Patterson, New Jersey, to late Joseph Riley, Sr and Kathryn Riley. He was welcomed home by is loving sister, Kathleen. Joe attended Catholic and public school in New Jersey until age 11, when his family moved to California. He graduated from Cupertino High School in 1972.

After one semester at De Anza College, his adventurous spirit took him to Alaska. In Fairbanks, he settled in with a group of high spirited friends at a place called “Quarter Mile.” He joined the Laborers Union and worked for many years on the Alyeska Pipeline. In addition to working for the Union in Alaska and California he became an electrician and worked on many jobs in and around Eureka until his retirement.

Joseph married Roslyn Whaley on February 23,1984 in Mountain View, California and they made their home on the Palo Verde Ranch near Redway. Though their marriage turned out to be less permanent than either expected, they went on to raise two lovely daughters, Julia and Vanessa.

Joe became a man of many trades while homesteading for over 15 years in Northern California. There was no task or job too difficult or daunting for him to tackle. He loved learning and was always reading and studying about everything! His independent and self-sufficient nature made homesteading the perfect way of life, which brought out the best in him.

Joe loved to joke around. His sister remembers at holiday gatherings with relatives when Joe could get everyone laughing so hard around the dinner table they could barely eat their meal! He was on fire when he discussed politics and could discuss his views in depth for hours. Other interests included playing the drums, working on his cars, reading, listening to music, riding his bike, swimming, hunting, gardening, traveling, enjoying the ocean, kite flying, sailing and wind surfing.

He enjoyed seeing new places and visiting with his daughters, grandson, other members of his family and being a part of their lives as much as he was able.

In the past few months, Joe and his daughter, Vanessa, had been making plans for him to move to Oregon. He was looking forward to living with Vanessa and his grandson, Tristin.

Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Julia Riley, Los Angeles; daughter, Vanessa Riley, Bend, Oregon; grandson,Tristin Riley, Bend, Oregon; sister, Kathleen Anderson Riley, Sacramento.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Jesse Riley Sr. and his mother, Kathryn Riley.

Thank you to Humboldt Cremation and Funeral Services for supporting and assisting the family in making the final arrangements. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

To plant a tree in his memory, donations can be made to alivingtribute.org.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joseph Riley’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.