Wednesday, June 2, 2004
I would like to light a candle of remembrance for John E. Riley in memory of my mother, Alice Farrell Flaherty, who was a teacher in the old Grant School on Hamilton Blvd. in South Plainfield under John E. Riley. We lived right across the street from the old Grant School on Hamilton Boulevard. My mother died in September 1965 at age 59 and I still remember how she spoke with such respect and admiration for John E. Riley. I distincly remember how she thought Mr. Riley was a great educator and wonderful person and had such a fondness for him. When I read the obituary, it brought back memories of my mother speaking about Mr. Riley. My mother was a reading specialist and when she was not teaching full time anymore, she had childen come to our house across the street from the school for reading help. I still live in South Plainfield and it is a great honor that a school is named after him which will always keep his name and memory alive. I just wanted you to know that my mother would have wanted me to take a few minutes and let you know how she admired Mr. Riley. I extend my sympathy to your family on the passing of Mr. Riley. Sincerely,Mary Beth (Flaherty) Nagy</b></font><br><br>
