Richard Christopher Riis

richard riis

Richard C. Riis, 63, passed away on September 4, 2021 in Carpinteria, CA.

He was born in Roslyn Heights, NY, to Robert & Marilyn Riis on February 8, 1958. A native Long Islander, Richard grew up in Smithtown and spent most of his adult life living in South Setauket. He retired to California in 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Riis. He is survived by his brother, Gary Riis, and his wife, Diana, of Sugar Land, TX, as well as many loving cousins, extended family members & friends.

Richard earned a Masters Degree from the prestigious Palmer School of Library Science at C.W. Post and spent over four decades in the library industry. He served as a librarian and department head at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library and within the Smithtown Library system. He also served as President of the CSEA Local 1000 for over 4 years.

Richard was an accomplished Genealogist and a published writer. Most notably he was co-author of the acclaimed Between Two Dynasties: the 1947 New York Yankees.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Branch Funeral Home Smithtown from 5pm – 8pm on Friday, Nov. 5. A Funeral Service will be held at Branch Funeral Home Smithtown starting at 11am on Saturday, Nov. 6. His remains will be interred at Smithtown Cemetery following the service.

 

If you would like to watch the funeral service on Saturday, please click the liink below

 

 

 

Services

Visitation: November 5, 2021 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Service: November 6, 2021 11:00 am

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Inurnment of Cremains:

Smithtown Cemetery
64 North Country Rd.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


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  1. candleSunday breakfast will never be the same. You are missed every day when I don’t have a post on my facebook page…. and every day that I don’t. The dance recitals that lasted for hours, the baseball games sitting on lawn chairs, the concerts…..you came to them all. You were loved by us all and you will never be forgotten.
    Rest in Peace my beloved Godson.

  2. candleI was a friend of Jim’s and knew his family including Rich. Very sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies to all his surviving relatives & other friends.

    • Hi Bruce. I’m sure you remember me – Jim’s snot-nosed little brother, Gary. I’m so sorry that Rick and Jim aren’t around to say “Hi.” I know they’d be so glad to know you lit a candle. I hope you’re well. Take care of yourself.

  3. Richard you are going to be sorely missed. You were a true gentleman, caring intelligent snd funny in your own way. I will miss our discussions. RIP my friend. Always in my heart

  4. Gary, I am in shock. I am just learning about our loss of Richard, As a longtime friend from Emma Clark Library, I was looking for his California address online. I would like to be intouch with you, if that’s possible to share privately. klebens@yahoo.com. Deepest condolences, Kitty.


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