William Floyd Riska
March 30, 1919 — July 16, 2007
William Floyd Riska, 88, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2007 in Stamford. Born March 30, 1919 in Greenwich, he was the son of the late Andrew and Suzanne Holec Riska.
Mr. Riska enjoyed sports, fishing, and gathering with his friends at Todds Point, his yearly visits to Nantucket, and the music he heard his wife perform at several local churches. He was known for his love of nature and wildlife, providing food for homeless pets as well as feeding the birds year-round in places throughout the town, including Greenwich Point. Bill had such a way with animals that squirrels would come right to his feet to receive the peanuts he provided. He will be missed for his many endearing qualities. He was a veteran of the U.S Army having served during WWII as a staff sergeant and was stationed at Fort Terry on Long Island. He was manager of the Ekman Center for the Electrolux Corporation for 18 years, where he was cited for being �"the good-natured supervisor of employees, who is always happy to cooperate no matter what the problem. After the Ekman Center was taken over by the town of Greenwich, he was building manager at General Time Corporation in Greenwich, Dorr Oliver in Stamford, and a salesman at Sears, also in Stamford.
He was the devoted husband of 65 years to Gertrude Riska, the former Gertrude ODonnell. He was also the loving father of Bonnie Sue Riska Havery, who he phoned daily; and her husband, Robert Havery. A brother, Andrew Riska of Pennsylvania also survives.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, William Grant Riska.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Thursday, July 19, 2007 from 5:00 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Erskine Road, Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends donate towards a memorial gift fund in Bills name. See Bonnie Havery for details.
Mr. Riska enjoyed sports, fishing, and gathering with his friends at Todds Point, his yearly visits to Nantucket, and the music he heard his wife perform at several local churches. He was known for his love of nature and wildlife, providing food for homeless pets as well as feeding the birds year-round in places throughout the town, including Greenwich Point. Bill had such a way with animals that squirrels would come right to his feet to receive the peanuts he provided. He will be missed for his many endearing qualities. He was a veteran of the U.S Army having served during WWII as a staff sergeant and was stationed at Fort Terry on Long Island. He was manager of the Ekman Center for the Electrolux Corporation for 18 years, where he was cited for being �"the good-natured supervisor of employees, who is always happy to cooperate no matter what the problem. After the Ekman Center was taken over by the town of Greenwich, he was building manager at General Time Corporation in Greenwich, Dorr Oliver in Stamford, and a salesman at Sears, also in Stamford.
He was the devoted husband of 65 years to Gertrude Riska, the former Gertrude ODonnell. He was also the loving father of Bonnie Sue Riska Havery, who he phoned daily; and her husband, Robert Havery. A brother, Andrew Riska of Pennsylvania also survives.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, William Grant Riska.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Thursday, July 19, 2007 from 5:00 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Erskine Road, Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends donate towards a memorial gift fund in Bills name. See Bonnie Havery for details.
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