Services Set for Veteran Trooper

Family, friends and the public may pay their respects to Trooper Ross M. Riley, who died Wednesday, November 20 during training drills at Letchworth State Park.

Calling hours are Sunday, November 24 and Monday, November 25, with his funeral on Tuesday, November 26.

Visitation is from 4-8 pm Sunday and Monday at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home in Olean. The funeral service for Trooper Riley is scheduled for 1 pm Tuesday at the Reilly Center on the St. Bonaventure University campus.

Trooper Riley died Wednesday after he fell during what is called “high angle rescue training” at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County. He fell approximately 30 feet from a ledge into Wolf Creek. He was transported and died at Wyoming County Community Hospital.

A State Police spokesperson says Trooper Riley was 44, and a 17 year veteran of the New York State Police. He received a commendation for his service as a member of the Mobile Response Team at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Riley was a veteran of the Persian Gulf Conflict, served as a U.S. Marine from 1987 until he was honorably discharged in 1992. He was awarded a number of commendations including Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and National Defense Medal.

Trooper Riley was a graduate of Auburn High School and later graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelors Degree and Paramedic Certification.

He is survived by his parents and his wife, New York State Police Olean Station Commander Heidi Riley, and their three daughters, 10-year-old Abaigeal, 8-year-old Katherine and 3-year-old Jillian. Riley has a sister who lives in Webster.

Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Salamanca will officiate.

Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ross M. Riley Memorial Fund PO Box 187 Allegany, NY 14706 or to the Allegany Volunteer Ambulance Fund PO Box 95, Allegany NY 14706.