Name: Ed Riley, 78, of Palmer Township, passed away in the arms of his daughter on Wednesday evening, August 24, 2016, while in the empathetic care of St. Luke's Hospice House, Bethlehem.

Born: Born in Pittston, PA on August 28, 1937, Ed was about to celebrate his 79th birthday. The youngest child of the late James B. & Leona Brady Riley.

Personal: Ed was married to the late Betty Ann Marriott Riley, who he lost a month ago on July 21, 2016. Ed & Betty celebrated 53 years of marriage on April 20.

Ed was a member of St. John the Evangelist High School, Class of 1955, Pittston, PA and concluded with his GED after joining the US Navy. He primarily sailed out of Norfolk, VA & San Diego, CA. Ed proudly served as a Boatswain's Mate until 1958, mainly aboard the USS Whitfield County/LST 1169. Along with visiting many ports of call during his service time, he had the unique opportunity to serve as a crew member Extra on board ship during the filming of "Away All Boats", a WWII war adventure film starring Jeff Chandler.

Upon his return to civilian life, Ed began a lifetime career in retail sales, where he had an excellent reputation as a men's clothier throughout the Easton and Phillipsburg area. One of Ed's fond memories of his clothier career was being consulted by a Major Movie Costumer for Men's Period Fashion, as well as working with one of his favorite local legends, Larry Holmes. Ed was employed for many years by the former Joseph's Clothier, Downtown Easton and May's Men's Shop, Hillcrest Mall, Phillipsburg.

Memberships: He was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Easton.

Survivors: Ed is survived by his devoted daughter, Donna Riley Garrett, her husband, Robert, and their son, Brendan Elijah, of The Woodlands, TX; a son, Michael Riley & his companion, Lisa Winand, of St. Petersburg, FL; sisters, Marie Gordon (Eugene) of Springfield, VA and Marguerite (Peggy) Hunter of Wilkes Barre; step granddaughters, Sharee & Shannan Garrett; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ed was preceded in death by his siblings: Alice Johnson, James, Eleanor and Eugene Riley.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ric Baxter and the wonderful staff at St. Luke's Hospice House for their expert & attentive care to Ed during his final days and for their kindness shown to his caring daughter. Many thanks, as well, to Dr. James Balshi and Dr. Brent Bernstein, for their expertise in Ed's medical care over the years.

Services: Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 28 from 5:00-7:00pm in the Morello Funeral Home Inc., 3720 Nicholas St, Easton PA (Palmer Township). A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 7:00pm in the funeral home, followed by Military Honors. In addition, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date for family and close friends at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St, Pittston, PA.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made directly to the funeral home 3720 Nicholas St. Easton, PA 18045 to establish an Educational Fund for his grandson, Brendan Elijah. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com