Riordan, William O.
By Canton CitizenWilliam O. “Bill” Riordan, 81, a longtime resident of Canton, veteran and volunteer firefighter, died Wednesday, May 7, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born in Somerville and moved to Canton in the 1940s with his family. He joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in the Massachusetts National Guard. He served with the Engineer Platoon, 25th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War.
In 1954 after completing his service, he worked construction with the Local 4 for 19 and a half years. Bill then worked at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton for 19 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #24 in Canton for 52 years, past commander in 1971-72, and lifetime member of the 2nd Infantry Division Association.
Bill was well known and loved by many in the town of Canton. He was known for his love of bartending at the American Legion, hats, pens and pins, and John Wayne movies.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Claire F. (Andrews). Father of William O. Riordan II and his wife, Theoni, of Middleboro, and Joan K. Riordan of NC. Grandfather of Tina, John, and Christopher Riordan. Brother of Timothy Riordan of FL, Marilyn Henley of Wareham, and Joanne Sullivan of Easton.
A funeral mass was held Friday, May 9, in St. John the Evangelist Church in Canton. Burial St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canton Veterans Service Department, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021. Arrangements by the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=25417
Posted by Canton Citizen
on May 15 2014. Filed under Obituaries.
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