Donald F. Riley

Donald F. Riley 

Albany — Donald F. Riley, 66, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2026, while visiting friends in South Carolina. He was the son of the late Richard and Catherine Riley. Donald was the loving and devoted husband of Gail M. Riley for 33 years. The two met in fifth grade and soon became childhood sweethearts—a relationship that grew into a lifelong love and partnership. 

Donald proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nashville LPD-13 from 1978 to 1983, receiving an Honorable Discharge. He was a Navy Shellback and was awarded the Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Donald was patriotic through and through and was proud to have served his country. That commitment continued throughout his life as he honored those who served before him, organizing and placing flags and wreaths throughout the year in remembrance of fallen servicemen and women. 

A lifelong resident of North Albany, Donald was deeply dedicated to his community. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 1610, North Albany Limericks, and Elks Lodge 49. He was a life member of Post 1610 and served as the first Commander of the Sons of Post 1610. 

Donald was a member of the North Albany Limericks for 50 years, where he organized the North Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade and constructed countless parade floats for more than 25 years. His contributions to the community were recognized when he was named the 2012 North Albany Limerick Marshal and, in 2024, had the honor of serving as Co-Grand Marshal of the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 

Following his discharge from the Navy, Donald worked as a tractor-trailer driver for Leroy Holding Co. He later joined the United States Postal Service, where he began as a driver and ultimately became a Supervisor at the Colonie Distribution Center before retiring. 

Donald loved life, family, friends, and the great outdoors. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a tool in his hand. His many passions included golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, and exploring. During retirement, he especially enjoyed traveling, golfing, rehabilitating homes, and simply kicking back with friends. 

Some of Donald’s happiest memories were made with longtime friends at Burden Lake, where he spent countless summer days throughout his life. He golfed throughout the Capital District, as well as in South Carolina, Colorado, and Ireland. He especially looked forward to annual fishing trips with the guys to Rhode Island and enjoyed deep-sea fishing trips in South Carolina and Florida. 

Donald had a true gift for fixing and building things. He loved home rehabilitation projects and was always willing to lend his expertise, time, and labor to family and friends. Chances are, if you owned a home, Donald had helped you with a project at some point. He was happiest when he could teach someone how to make a repair, tackle a renovation, or take on a project they might not have thought they could do themselves. Sharing his knowledge—especially with younger people—and helping others learn how to repair their homes or breathe new life into older ones gave him great pleasure.

Donald will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to help, his infectious smile, his love of friends and family, and his unwavering commitment to his country and community. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless friendships, and a legacy of service, kindness, and helping others. 

Donald is survived by his siblings, George (Gretchen) Riley, Grace Riley, Mary (Charlie) McGee, Gale (Dan) Stott, and Joyce Hayes; brother-in-law Eric Wierzbicki; sisters-in-law Karin Thomas and Nell Perez Wierzbicki; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was predeceased by his brother, Wayne Riley; sister, June Leep; and brothers-in-law Gerard “Jerry” Wierzbicki, Michael Wierzbicki, and John Thomas. 

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In honor of Donald’s love for life, please bring a picture that captures a shared laugh or special memory. 

Interment will be held privately at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, to honor Donald’s passions, the family requests that donations be made to the National Park Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice. 

Please visit the guest book below to share a memory of Donald or leave a special message for his family.