Frederic "Fritz" C. Riley Jr. Service Information

Frederic C. “Fritz” Riley, Jr., lifelong Bucks County, PA resident and formerly of Doylestown, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2021 at Masonic Village of Warminster.  He was 82.  Born in the original Doylestown hospital on December 27, 1938, along with his identical twin brother, he was a 1956 graduate of Council Rock High School in Newtown. His early years he and his twin were known for fun and antics providing endless stories and memories of a wonderful childhood.  He joined the US Army, serving in Orleans, France from 1957-59.  Fritz loved auto mechanics and became a successful and highly respected member of the Northampton Township business community.  In 1965 he proudly opened the Richboro Arco station, and Fritz Riley’s Auto Repair in Churchville in 1972.  He settled with his family in Richboro, was a proud family man and loving father of Kelly and Jeffrey, always providing a fun time in the neighborhood for kids and parents alike.  He made sure during tough snowy winters that neighbors and families were safe, snowplowing countless driveways.  When roads were impassable, he hopped on his snowmobile to get groceries for any in need, then pulled sled trains around full of laughing kids to enjoy the winter.  He later joined PennDOT as Inspection Officer, a position he loved and retired from after a massive stroke in 1998.  Undeterred by his handicap, he overcame odds to redirect his life and continue to share joy every day by continuing to bring a smile to others as he always did.  He enjoyed his daily walks, breakfast at Aunt Judy’s Café to have his “Fritz’s Special” breakfast.   Family and friends looked forward to his phone calls to wish them a Happy Birthday, holiday wish, or a simple hello to check in on them. He was the unofficial “Mayor” of Center Square Towers apartment complex that he called home, and always ensured hot coffee & holiday refreshments were provided for the residents that had no one else to spend it with.  He kept active & enjoyed all the activities and celebrations with his beloved Doylestown American Legion Hall, placing flags on Veteran gravesites, and taking part in the Doylestown Memorial Day Parade riding in a lead vehicle to kick off the parade.  Watching the Philadelphia Eagles were a seasonal joy and despair for him, but as all things in life, he remained optimistic to always look at the bright side of every challenge, appreciate what he had and love and live life to the fullest every day. 

He is survived by his children, Kelly (Francis Sr.) Masi of East Amherst, NY, and Jeffrey (Barbara) Riley of Holland, PA whom he shared with former wife Eva (Campeau) Riley, grandchildren Alyssa Riley of NJ, Nicole Riley of PA, Francis Masi Jr and Nicholas Masi of NY.  He is also survived by his twin brother Dave (Marilyn Mangione) Riley, sister Helen Robinson, sister Bernice (Hugh) Devine, brother Patric (Peggy) Riley, cousin Karen (Ben) Hoyle, former wife Marcia Matlack, along with several nieces, nephews, and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Louisa (Shetzline) Riley-Chubb and Frederic C. Riley. 

Burial will be private for immediate family at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life dessert reception will take place at the Albert R. Atkinson, Jr American Legion Post 210, 315 North Street, Doylestown PA 18901, on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 12:30-2:00 pm.  All are Welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Legion Post 210, Doylestown PA at the above address. 

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