TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Navy officer ahead of his funeral on Wednesday.
John Edward Riley, best known as Jack, died peacefully in hospital on Saturday, October 18.
The 97-year-old, who survived his late wife Alice, was described as the ‘dear father of Barbara and the cherished grandfather of Tim and Lisa’.
Jack originally trained to be an engineer until the outbreak of the Second World War.
He served in the Middle East as a chief petty officer before returning to engineering when the war ended.
A well-known local singer, Jack lent his talents to Accrington Amateur Dramatics and Pathfinders.
He loved holidays and travelled around the world, and was a life-long Freemason, and was a member of Bank Terrace Lodge.
His family said in an obituary: “Jack was also a family man who loved to spend time getting together with family.”
Jack’s funeral will be held at Accrington Crematorium from 11am on Wednesday. Donations in his memory can be made to North West Blood Bikes, via Champ Funeral Services in Clayton-le-Moors.
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