Obituary of William R. Riordan

William R. Riordan "loving husband, father & Papa" Allegany, NY-- William R. Riordan of 3555 W. Five Mile Rd. died Wednesday (August 6, 2003) shortly after arrival at Olean General Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack in his home. Born September 14, 1944 in Allegany he was the son of John F. "Monk" and Emma L. Miller Riordan. In 1986 in Plainview, Texas he married Patricia A. Rolling who survives. Mr. Riordan was a graduate of Allegany Central School and was a veteran of the US Army. He had resided in Texas for 17 years prior to returning to Allegany in 1986. He was a heavy equipment operator for Lippert Sand and Gravel prior to his retirement. Mr. Riordan enjoyed breeding and raising horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He was also a founding president of the local 4-H Club and was an avid member of the NRA. In addition to his passion for riding horses he used to enjoy racing stock cars. He loved his family and was affectionately known as "Papa" to his grandchildren. Surviving besides his wife are 2 daughters Laurie Kelley of Allegany and Jacqueline Scheets of Abilene, TX; 4 sons William "Spike" (Julie) Riordan, Jr. of Erie, Pa., Wade W. Riordan of Deltona, FL, Ken Lynch of West Seneca, NY and Bill Lynch of Abilene, TX; 8 grandchildren; 3 sisters Betty Prozeller of Portville, Shirley Pierce of Belmont, NY and Rita Tatlow of Franklinville; 1 brother Clarence Riordan of Franklinville, NY and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by 1 son Donny E. Riordan in 1964. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9pm in the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Monday (August 11, 2003) at 1:00pm in the funeral home. Fr. Richard Husted, OFM, pastor of St. Bonaventure Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery.