John J. Riley, 61, Massachusetts State Lottery Technician

John J. Riley, 61, passed away on June 26 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late John C. and Norma A. (Williams) Riley of Haverhill. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1975. Riley graduated from Northern Essex Community College and attended ITT Technical Institute. He was employed as a lottery technician for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Lottery for over 30 years. Riley enjoyed the outdoors and skied the White Mountains in New Hampshire. He loved going to concerts and was a self-described “Dead Head.” He was known to have a great sense of humor and was close with his family. He was a devoted father and adored his three daughters. He will be missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his mother Norma, Riley is survived by his three daughters, Meagan Riley of Virginia, Lauren Riley of Hartford, Conn., Mary Katherine Riley of Haverhill, his brothers, Robert Riley and his wife June of Haverhill, Timothy Riley and his partner Debora Ware of Haverhill, his sisters, Mary Riley Emery and her husband Charles of Haverhill, Maureen (Riley) McGonagle and her husband Michael of Haverhill, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, June 29 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.