Richard Christopher Riis
February 8, 1958 ~ September 4, 2021
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
May God bring you peace and comfort while celebrating the life of Richard.
Thank you, Barbara.
Sunday 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.
Thanks, Judy and Ron. We’re looking forward to seeing you.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Richard.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Jim, I did not know he had passed as well.
Thank you – Yes, they’re both gone way too soon.
I 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.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
There is a huge hole left in our hearts.
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
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.