Obituary
Blanca Amelia Riley, a beloved wife and friend, passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2024, at the age of 73. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Donald Riley and is remembered for her kind heart and infectious laughter and smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
One of our favorite memories of Blanca was back in 2006 - - when we took a road trip with Blanca and Tom to watch FIU play the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After the football game, we drove onto Memphis to visit Graceland and tour the Elvis Museum.
She definitely had a sense of humor. I was not there, but the village rumor mill had it that when Blanca was hospitalized one of our neighbors stopped in to inquire how she was doing. During their discussion he asked if she could compare the previous medical facility she was at and her current location. Not wanting to give a knee-jerk negative reaction Blanca thought about her response for a minute or so, and she finally responded with – Well, they both spell H-O-S-P-I-T-A-L the same way.
When I was acting as the B@LM Secretary our President came up with an idea for the monthly social where he would write, direct and produce a musical production. Realizing I would need to produce a narrative about this event and knowing I did not have experience in cultural appreciation I asked Blanca if she would write a narrative reviewing the production. She agreed, using a nom de plume and her effort resulted in an unheard-of number of complimentary responses noting her intellect, and humor all while extolling our President’s creative prowess. Left to my own devices the resulting minutes would have at best been described as blah.
Finally, I knew she would always protect my Duke. She was the individual responsible for Sue and I adopting a puppy we named Duke. Duke was the younger brother of Tom and Blanca’s Maggie. Same father and mother, but from a different litter. Blanca was not known for an “Early To Bed, Early To Rise,” lifestyle and one very early morning Blanca was out with Maggie and Duke completing their “before we go to bed” routine. An animal seemed to appear out of nowhere and Maggie moved behind Blanca while Duke moved in front of Blanca to protect her. Within an instant Blanca was holding each dog in a different arm and approaching the visiting animal with a Spanish version of scathing expletives. Apparently, the animal knew discretion is the better part of valor.
Although Blanca is no longer with us, her essence lives on here in Bridgeport.
She will be remembered for all that she did unselfishly for our community.
With a special laugh
and smile she will be in our memory forever.
May she rest in peace!
Kenny and Rina Delmonico
Bridgeport @ LM 1st Christmas Party 12/16/2004