Obituary

Mark J. Risley, age 64, of Toms River, NJ died on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family after fighting a courageous battle with Bile Duct Cancer.

Mark was born in Lakewood, NJ and grew up in Lanoka Harbor, NJ before moving to Seaside Heights, NJ in 1978 and Toms River, NJ in 1988. He attended Central Regional High School in Bayville, NJ. 

He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1975-1976 being honorably discharged. 

Mark was a loyal Teamster of Local 11, as a truck driver for Silvi Concrete in Brick, NJ for 32 years retiring in October 2018. Prior to that he drove a Boom Truck for several years.

He was a 24 year member of the East Dover Vol Fire Co. #4, joining in 1998 and held the position of Trustee. Mark was also a Life Member of the Seaside Heights Vol Fire Co. #44 for over 17 years and worked up the ranks to become the Battalion Chief in 1993.
He was a member of the B.P.O.E. Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 and a member of the Harley Davidson National H.O.G. Association, which he acquired the 10,000 Mile Riding Patch. Mark was an Usher at St. Joseph’s Church in Toms River, NJ, a past member of the Knights of Columbus St. Joseph's Council #4969 in Toms River, NJ and a devoted Giants fan.

Mark was a true Community Volunteer giving what he could to serve his fellow citizens of Toms River and Seaside Heights freely and voluntarily. He will be sorely missed by his immediate family and the family of the fire services of the East Dover Vol. Fire Co. #4 of Toms River, NJ and the Seaside Heights Vol. Fire Co. #44.

Mark married Barbara Poane-Risley on November 18, 1978 and resided in Seaside Heights, NJ. They moved to Toms River, NJ in 1988 where they raised their three children. 

Mark is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Thelma Risley; his siblings Gary Risley and Bonnie Generally.

Surviving is his wife Barbara Risley; his daughters Laura Gaughran and her husband Kevin, Amanda Risley and her partner Kevin Bicknese and Abigail Risley and her partner Matthew Heron; his siblings Janet Wegryn and her husband Louis and Michael Risley and wife Andrea; his grandchildren Sophia Gaughran, Aubrey Gaughran and Olive Bicknese; his sister-in-law Laura Lutes and her partner Terry Merrell and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday May 25, 2022 from 4-9pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 145 St. Catherine Blvd, Toms River, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday May 26, 2022 at 10am at St. Joseph RC Church in Toms River, NJ.

Entombment will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River, NJ.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to East Dover Vol. Fire Co. #4 or Seaside Heights Vol. Fire Co. #44.