Police Officer Stephen Henry Riley P-408
(1949-2024)
Steve was born October 15, 1949 in Cincinnati to Marvin J. and Martha T. (Rusche) Riley of Reading. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School, graduating in June 1967.
While attending school, Steve worked as a mechanic at the Reading Comet Station at Reading and Galbraith.
In the month following his graduation, Steve joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Cadet on July 23, 1967. He also attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Police Science. Cadet Riley served in Station X (1430 Martin Drive), District 4 (7017 Vine Street), and Police Communication Section (310 Lincoln Park Drive). Cadet Riley earned an Associate of Science degree in June 1970 and was promoted to Police Recruit on October 25, 1970 for the Division’s 54th Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on January 3, 1971, issued Badge 408, and reassigned to District 4. On May 22, 1972, a gang of men assaulted him as he tried to break up an illegal craps game. They overpowered him and stole his revolver, but did not harm him further. On February 10, 1974 he transferred to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue). On May 16, 1975, while working in civilian clothes investigating drug sales, a man tried to run him and his partner over with a car. He shot out the tire on the car and the driver was apprehended. On January 8, 1976, Police Officer Riley transferred back to Communication Section. By June 1979, he had served his community almost 12 years and earned twelve letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including one from the Police Chief. Police Officer Riley transferred to the Regional Computer Center as a Computer Operator II on June 10, 1979 where he continued to serve his community.
Officer Riley then went on to a management position at the Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company.
On December 14, 2024, at the age of 75, Officer Riley suffered a massive, fatal heart attack while distributing Christmas gifts to his neighbors.
He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Lisa Sandhas. Officer Riley is survived by his wife of 53 years, Denise Marie (Sandhas) Riley; children, Rebecca (Justin) Bass, Robyn (Phil) Parker, and Matthew Riley; grandchildren, Austin Bass and Riley Bass; siblings, Jon (Karen) Riley, Nancy (Jerry) Saalfeld, Eileen (Jim) Maloney, and Peggy Riley; and siblings-in-law, Bob (Pat) Sandhas, Donna Sandhas, and Steve (Debbie) Sandhas.
A visitation will be held 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at St. Teresa of Avila Church at 1175 Overlook Avenue in Western Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
© 2024 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum