ChesterNewMatter4thQtr2021 - 7

CCBA Feature
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looked forward to each of those get-togethers. As we
would say goodbye, it made me happy to know that we
would see him again in a couple of months. Our last
get-together was in August. I will cherish the memories
of that lunch, as well as all of the others, for the rest of my
life. I will forever treasure the time I was able to spend
with him. Even though he suffered from Parkinson's
Disease, he never lost his sense of humor and his joy for
life. He was a gentleman, and he will truly be missed. "
- Joan E. Pakuris, Esquire
Although Judge Riley retired almost ten years ago, I
still remember some of Judge Riley's quotes. Judge
Riley always told us " No good deed goes unpunished. "
He reminded us we all give our best closing on the drive
home after trial. He once played a joke on me and told
me the PA Supreme Court had just ruled all lawyers with
less than 10 years of experience would have to take the
bar every year to be sure we were worthy of a license to
practice law. As prosecutors we are tasked with making
difficult decisions under tragic and stressful
circumstances. After a difficult day in court, Judge Riley
reminded me it was not my job to make people happy. It
is to seek " justice " and often that means no one will be
" happy " with my decision. When that happens, he
continued, " you have probably done the right thing. "
Although he is no longer with us, his wisdom will always
remain with me personally and professionally. "
- Michelle E. Frei, Esquire
Working with Mr. Riley for five years at Malcom &
Riley, P.C., I got to experience his excellence and
meticulousness in preparing cases. I thought he was the
best defense attorney - he would come back to the office
after a trial, I would ask the verdict, and he would
invariably say " zero. " Judge Riley and I then spent 20
years together learning and enjoying a myriad of
experiences at the Court House. He also guided me
through raising my children, always giving me sage
advice. We enjoyed discussing world events, politics,
sports and families. Tuck, my wonderful boss, became a
forever friend. I will miss him always. "
- Hilarie O. Showalter, Judicial Secretary
Judge Riley had the ideal Judicial demeanor. No
one comes to a courtroom happy. But with Judge
Riley, it was an enjoyable experience because of the even
handed and kind way he treated all the participants.
Whether he ruled for or against a side, he did so as a
gentleman and treated everyone fairly and with dignity.
It was an honor to appear in front of him as a litigant
New Matter | 7
and to eventually become his colleague. He led by
example then and still will, as we keep him in our
hearts, going forward. "
- Hon. Patrick C. Carmody
In an interview given to The Daily Local News, Chester
County Public Defender, Nathan Schenker, recalled " he
had a gentle authority that upheld the decorum of the
courtroom, but also reassured those before him that they
were being heard and respected, and that the process was
fair. " Schenker said " He calmly dealt with the tumult that
could occur in criminal proceedings and more than a
few times diffused tense situations. His judgment from
the bench, in rulings and sentencings, was always wellinformed
and well-reasoned. It was obvious that he gave
careful consideration to the matters before him from all
perspectives. "
Although many more tributes have come into the Bar
Association, spatial limitations preclude printing all of
them here, unfortunately. They would fill a book.
Save the Date
2021 Chester County
Bar Association
Annual Meeting
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Chester County Historic Courthouse
(please use side entrance)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM:
CCBA Memorial Service
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM:
Annual Meeting
The member reception will begin
immediately following the meeting.
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ChesterNewMatter4thQtr2021

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