Robert Troddy Riley, Sr. was born November 13, 1919 in St. Louis, MO to the union of the late Benjamin Riley and the late Josephine Mathis. He was the eldest of three children, having two sisters; his younger sister Ida Bell Campbell preceded him in death.
He attended the St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Vashon High School in 1937. While at Vashon he was a star athlete and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He entered Wiley College on an athletic scholarship where he played football, basketball and ran track. His favorite race was the 440. During this time he also attended the Citizens Military Training Camp in Fort Riley, Kansas. Robert graduated from Wiley College in Marshall, TX with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree, majoring in Education and Sociology. After graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Central Pacific during WWII. Robert received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1945. During his youth he enjoyed spending time at the Pine Street Branch of the YMCA. He enjoyed his friends who became life long “buddies”. Robert continued his education at Northwestern University and then the University of Wisconsin in Madison where, he received a Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling.
While at Wisconsin he married Vendetta Elizabeth Terrell and to that union two children were born: Andrea, who preceded him in death, and Bobette.
His very first job was working as a waiter for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. While attending college he worked various jobs to earn money. Robert began his successful career at Kinloch High School in 1945, teaching biology and chemistry. From 1948 to 1969 he taught at Vashon, Washington Technical, Soldan and Beaumont High Schools continuing to educate youth in history, reading and social studies, as well as serving as a counselor. Robert served as Assistant Principal for 16 years in the Ferguson-Florissant School District in both the Middle and Junior High Schools until he retired in June 1991.
Throughout his distinguished career he continued his love of education and completed courses for the Doctor of Education degree from Washington University, hence the nickname “Doc”. He was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Counselors, M.S.T.A. and Phi Delta Kappa. He also completed courses from the New York Institute of Photography. He began Riley Photo Service and was seen taking pictures for various events throughout the city. Robert continued to instill the value of education in his children and every child that came his way.
In 1939, he was initiated into the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and became a Life Member in 1966. He remained active in the Epsilon Lambda Chapter holding various positions and serving on various committees until his health slowed him down. One of the highest moments was attending the 100th Annual Convention with his son, Christopher.
Having met the love of his life, Robert married Delores Lucille Coleman in June 1958 and remained married until her passing in 2005. Together they shared traveling, music, photography, Bible Study and similar organizations including the U.S. Naval Academy Parent’s Association. To their union were born three children: Terry, Robert Jr. and Christopher. Both Robert Jr. and Christopher preceded him in death.
In his early years, Robert expressed his love for Christ. He, at the age of seven and his sisters began attending Union Memorial United Methodist Church. He remained a dedicated and faithful servant to the Lord. He studied the word throughout his life to later instill the love for Jesus Christ into his children and grandchildren. An active member, Robert served on various committees and faithfully participated in the Disciple Bible Study Classes.
An influential, articulate and loving leader, Robert touched many lives during his extraordinary life. Truly, Robert made invaluable contributions to the field of education. Wherever he went, a former student would recognize him from years past and took him down memory lane. As a protective figure he consistently showered those he knew with compassion and love.
Complying with the will of God, Robert was called to eternal rest on December 15, 2010. He will be missed dearly by those who knew him. Robert fulfilled his purpose on this earth, living a remarkable life. He leaves to mourn his passing, daughters, Bobette Wynter (Courtney) and Terry Riley Patton; daughter-in-law, Treska Riley; his grandchildren, Andrea Bradley (George), Rowan Wynter, Elizabeth Wynter, Kira Tabron, Jerrica Patton, Jason Patton, Danielle Tabron, Ayana Wynter, Tarin Riley, Julian Riley and Eden Riley; great –grandchildren, Aidan Bradley , Savion Tabron and Anthony Wynter; beloved sister, Bernice Gibson; brother-in-law, Ronald Coleman (Lawonna);and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, educators and friends whom were very important people in his life.
