Phillip J. Riley

Phillip J. Riley In the southwest suburbs, there’s a good chance you might live, work, dine or shop in a building designed by Phillip J. Riley Architects. Phil was a prolific designer and builder, creating many residential and commercial spaces throughout the region and even the world. He died this week, leaving behind three loving children, a grandson and a large extended family. Phil grew up on Chicago’s west side in the Presentation Parish neighborhood until his parents moved the family into the architecturally significant home in Palos Park that his father designed and constructed. Phil was a navigator on U.S. Navy destroyers during two combat tours in the Vietnam War. On a shore bombardment mission, his destroyer came under fire and was struck. But his time in the Navy influenced a lifelong passion for the sea and travel. He came home to study architecture at the University of Illinois-Chicago campus and eventually established his own firm in Palos Heights and then Orland Park. His connections to the building community run deep. His unending curiosity about the world led to a love of engineering, history, churches, Irish music, car racing and golf, but mostly he loved spending time with his parents, children, grandson, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and whoever showed up at his home, which was always open for a party. His home and backyard were the central gathering places for multigenerational Christmas and July 4 gatherings. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Connie Riley, and his brother, Larry. He is survived by children Sarah (Joel), Sean (Tori) and Brendan (Lynda); grandson, Justice; brother Ray (Chris); sister-in-law Jeri; sisters Mary (Paul) Rook, Nancy, and Noreen (Jim) Wessendorf; numerous nieces and nephews Bill (Traci), Katie, Colleen, Kevin (Jess), Alison (Bill), Ashley (Jaime); great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins and friends. Visitation, Sunday, January 16th from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights. Family & friends will gather directly at Our Lady of the Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Due to the pandemic, close family will honor Phil with a private luncheon. **COVID 19 mandates; masks and social distancing are required; no prolonged gathering is allowed to accommodate all guests paying their respects. The funeral home kitchen is closed to food and refreshments.