NEW BEDFORD — Dr. Norman F. Riley, a New Bedford optometrist, died suddenly on January 1, 2008 at the age of 86. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and a lifelong resident of New Bedford. He worked at the Continental Screw Company in the chemistry department prior to enlisting in the US Army during WWII. He served in the Army Air Corp as a navigator in the Pacific Theater and remained a member of the Army National Guard until 1964, rising to the rank of Major.
Upon returning from the war he completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Massachusetts School of Optometry in Boston. He then returned to New Bedford, maintaining a private practice of optometry for 40 years until his retirement in 1989. In the community he was active in the Kiwanis, Elks and Boys Clubs of New Bedford.
He was an early member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association, serving several terms in various offices, including as President in 1958. His radio call sign was W1ATI. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Lydia C. Riley of New Bedford, a daughter Janice Riley Freddo of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, a daughter Anne Riley Lam of Dearborn, Michigan and 3 grandchildren, Matthew and Catherine Freddo and Margaret Lam. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Cynthia. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Harold F. Riley and his wife Elizabeth of New Bedford, and by several cousins, nieces and nephews.