Alvin Riley

Alvin E. Riley, 95, passed away January 30, 2026, after a brief illness. During his illness, he received excellent compassionate care in the palliative care unit at St. Louis Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks until his death.

On March 3, 1930 he was born at home on Sanford Ave, Alton to Emma (Bock) Riley and William Riley. They had nine children with Alvin being the second one born. His mother also took in three more children to care for. While growing up times were hard and after school Alvin and his father worked on loading coal cars which paid $25.00 for each 100 ton of coal shoveled.

Alvin had many jobs in his life. Alvin joined the United States Army when he was 17 years old and  was discharged at 19 years old. Alvin worked as a waiter in a Chicago restaurant and later worked in the John Deere factory in Davenport, Iowa. Later, he worked on the GM&O Railroad.

Alvin went into the Air Force in 1954 to 1958, when he served as Air Policeman. His most interesting assignment as Air Policeman was being Specialty Guard for U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Lastly, Alvin joined Teamsters Local 525, until his retirement.

Alvin felt that God blessed him with a wonderful son, Shaun, and with a loving mother.  Alvin acknowledged that the people who were helpful to him were Pamela, Christopher, Kyle Wahl, and Julie Johnson.

Visitation will be at Gent Funeral Home in Alton Wednesday February 4, 2026 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday February 5, 2026 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. Father Patrick Gibbons officiating.

Burial is in Upper Alton Cemetery. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.