The Rotary Club of Enfield is honoring Enfield’s veterans by sponsoring military tribute banners that will be displayed in Higgins Park, the Town Green, Freshwater Walkway, North Main Street and Hazardville between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 and 2027. The Enfield Public Library partnered with Enfield Rotary to preserve digital versions of these banners as well as biographical information about each veteran.
john j. riley
United States army 1938-1942
world war ii
staff sergeant
Born – Malden, MA, April 23, 1915
Enlisted in the US Army, at Fort Devens, MA on September 30, 1942, at age 27
He served as a truck driver and mechanic.
He was promoted to Sergeant, December 12, 1943.
In August 1944, he requested to be transferred to the infantry.
He was assigned to the 86th Infantry Division known as the Blackhawks.
He saw combat in Europe, beginning in May 1945 in the Rhur Valley, and crossed the Danube on April 27, 1945.
The war in Europe ended in May 1945, and the Blackhawk Division was transferred to the Philippines to prepare for the invasion of Japan.
Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945.
He was discharged in late 1945, as a Staff Sargent
He married Marion Walsh of New Britain, on July 2, 1945.
They raised seven children in New Britain, Enfield and Somers.
He owned and operated the Village Market in Southwood Acres, Enfield for many years.
He died at home in Somers on December 1, 1983.
