Terry D. Riley's Obituary
Terry D. Riley, a dedicated brother, uncle, devoted friend, and respiratory therapist, passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. He was born to Paul and Della Riley on August 28, 1962, in Marion, Louisiana.
In his early adulthood, he found his professional passion working in healthcare. He began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in acute care homes before working at Highland Hospital Oakland for over a decade and as a Critical Care Technician at University Health Systems in San Antonio, Texas.
Terry was a Registered Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Therapists and a Respiratory Care Practitioner certified by the Respiratory Care Board of California. He worked as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at Kindred Hospital San Francisco Bay Area, All Saints Subacute and Transitional Care San Leandro, CA, and California Home Medical in Foster City, California.
Terry attended Merritt College in Oakland, CA, and earned an Associate Degree in Science/Health Care Science and an Associate Degree in Respiratory Science from St. Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas.
Throughout his career, Terry demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for his work and patients, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he provided brave and exceptional care to numerous patients.
Beyond his profession, Terry was an utter and complete shop-a-holic. He never passed on any Items he liked, including shoes, coats, messenger bags, cologne, jewelry, electronics, and furniture. If he liked it, he had to have it.
Above all, Terry cherished time with his family, always ready for good food, gossip, a game of cards, and laughter.
He was preceded in death by his Father Paul Riley, Mother Della Archie-Riley, and Sisters Merlenet Riley and Lisa Riley.
Terry leaves to cherish his memory four sisters, Sharon Riley-Warren (Curran), Latasha Riley-Stephens (Kenneth), Shenale Sykes, and Arvetta Nelson-Johnson (Reginald); three brothers, Brandon Riley (Arthur), Micheal Riley, and Samuel Sykes (Debbie); and a host nieces nephews relatives and friends.
His memory will be forever cherished by all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
To commemorate a life well lived, a memorial is planned on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home.
Address: 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA.
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