Shrewsbury St. Anne’s Parish Pastor Reverend Walter J. Riley | Photo by Saint Anne’s Parish in Shrewsbury, MassachusettsSt. Anne’s Parish Pastor Reverend Walter J. Riley passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of Friday, February 9, 2024.
Born on July 15, 1960, in Worcester, he was the son of Richard F. Riley Sr. and Marie (Fiore) Riley. He graduated from St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic High School in 1978, then attended Quinsigamond Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree from Assumption College in 1984.
Afterward, he pursued studies for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, where he earned a master’s of divinity degree. Bishop McManus ordained him to the priesthood on June 3, 2006, at St. Paul Cathedral. Initially serving as associate pastor at Christ the King Parish in Worcester, he later became pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Worcester in 2010, then pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Westborough until 2022, and finally pastor of St. Anne Parish in Shrewsbury until his passing.
Father Riley also served as chaplain of the Worcester Fire Department from 2007 to 2021 and as the diocesan director of priest personnel from 2014 through 2020. In recognition of his service, he received the Gospel of Life award from the diocese in 2018.
An avid writer, Father Riley used to publish a weekly column on St. Anne’s website called “From the Pastor’s Desk.” In his final column released on February 10, 2024, he called for “A Holy and Productive Lent.”
A wake service will be held on February 16 from 3-7 p.m. at St. Bernard Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester, followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on February 17 at 11 a.m. also at St. Bernard Church, followed by burial at St. John Cemetery, 260 Cambridge St., Worcester. Mercadante Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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