Daniel Lee Riling AD3 (AW), was born Nov. 2, 1963, and died June 9, 2009, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was a resident of Florida and had been stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Oak Harbor.
Danny passed away peacefully, with his mother by his side, at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma. Danny was born in Braddock, Penn., and raised in North Lauderdale, Fla. He was a graduate of Coconut Creek High School, Class of 1982.
Danny was a petty officer third class in the U.S. Navy where he served 13 years and 9 months. His tours of duty included Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Guam, China, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Malta and Spain. He also served in the Arabian Gulf on the USS John F. Kennedy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His awards included Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense (Second Award), Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, Battle “E” (Third Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct (Third Award), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Third Award).
He was the eldest of four children born to LeRoy Albert Riling, Jr., and Dianne (Jerry) Healey. Danny will forever be remembered by his loving sisters Michelle Ann Riling, Dianne Renee (Rick) McKenzie and Denise Marie Riling; beloved children Melinda Sue (Andy) Franks and Sarah Elizabeth Riling; treasured grandchildren Melody Ambriana Bell and Jeremiah Lennon Franks; along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him.
Danny loved playing his guitars, walking the mountain trails and ocean beaches with his dog, “Bear,” laughing, being with his family, and having fun with friends. He touched the lives of many people and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, June 20, at 3 p.m. at the Gainesville Church of God, 7003 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations to be sent to The Fort Lewis Fisher House. They provided prayers, support, housing and meals for Danny and all his visiting family during this very difficult time. Fort Lewis Fisher House, 9999 Wilson Avenue, Fort Lewis, WA 98433, 253-964-9283.
