Riley E. Lamson, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday July 15, 2024 at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, MA.
Born in Providence, R.I. to Riley Lamson Sr. of Bristol, R.I. and Nellie Lamson (Clay), of Liverpool, England, Riley attended Providence Country Day School and graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in Construction Management. He served in the 118th Military Police Battalion of the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1966 - 1972. In 1981, he launched his own construction company, and remained a self-employed contractor in the industry until his retirement in 2013, developing real estate in every New England state and Florida. Over the years, Riley was active in various community and social groups, and served as President of the South County Arc from 1998 to 2001. In particular, Riley treasured the close friendships he established through a regular “Men’s Group” that he maintained through the duration of his life.
Riley retired with his wife Mary to Hobe Sound and Stuart, FL, although he always remained a Rhode Islander at heart. He loved being close to the water and enjoyed swimming, boating, and dining on fresh seafood, hot wieners, and party pizza. Riley had a “thrill for thrift,” and loved a good bargain; few things made him happier than acquiring something discounted or free that he could repurpose. Riley’s sense of humor was one of his best qualities, and he kept everyone around him entertained with a variety of practical jokes, one-liners, and what his children called “dad-ventures.” He enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, amassing a collection of various spices, seasonings, and hot sauces. While Riley had many interests to occupy him, what he loved most was spending time with family and friends, and took great pleasure in hosting visitors at his homes in Florida and Rhode Island.
Riley is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Mary Ann Lamson (McConnon), whom he always and proudly called “my girl.” He is also survived by his children and grandchildren, Melissa Lizotte and her children Samantha and Jack of Wareham, MA; Mark Lamson, his wife Jill, and their children Harrison and Sydney of Foxboro, MA; Katherine “Katie” West of Warwick, R.I.; Andrew Lamson of Providence R.I.; Lynne Corry of R.I., and Mark Corry and his wife Tammy of Stafford, VA. He is predeceased by his sister, Eleanor “Ellie” Brewster of Sarasota, FL, survived by her daughters and Riley’s nieces, Anne Brewster Murray and Karen Brewster Madden, of FL.
Always a practical person, Riley chose to make an anatomical gift to the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University to support medical education and research, which the school accepted on July 18. He was proud to say that one of his final achievements was “going to Brown Medical School!”
A memorial service for Riley will be held on August 22, 2024 at 11:30 A.M at Monahan, Drabble & Sherman Funeral Home, with calling hours beginning at 9:30 A.M.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Little Compton Wellness Center, The Arc Rhode Island, or The Public’s Radio.
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