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RIORDAN- William F. “Doc”

Updated: Jul 5

William F. Riordan

Oct 15, 1955 - Jul 2, 2024


Bill Riordan, known as “Doc” to his friends, passed away swiftly at home, with his wife, Evelyne “Evie” (Lattimer), by his side. He was 68.


The son of the late Dr. Daniel and Phyllis Riordan, Bill was a life-long resident of the Village of Hamburg. He rose to Eagle Scout in Troop 502, and was a graduate of Hamburg High School (‘73) and Canisius College (‘78). He and Evie mar- ried at Trinity Episcopal Church on E. Main Street, where Bill had been an acolyte, on July 25, 1981.


Bill’s love of cars and of service shaped his life in work and friendship. Always “the driver” in high school capers with friends, he learned to care for cars working at Roger Sommer’s Garage on the corner of Buffalo Street and Legion Drive. Later, Bill worked in sales at West-Herr Ford and DeLacy Ford, his nights and weekends punctuated by radio calls from the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for 25-plus years. He went on to sell fire trucks, and eventually to long-haul truck driving, turning a pastime into a profession.


The car was Bill’s means of caring, whether helping his two children, Molly (Geoff Bucknum) and Dan, move from one apart- ment to the next, or picking up friends from the airport, the hospital, or the side of the road, ready to change a tire or grab a beer before heading home.


Bill became an avid sailor, learning to sail with friends during Wednesday night races with the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club, eventually purchasing from a friend his sailboat, the Glass Nitemare.


Bill is also survived by his sisters, Susan Riordan (the late Michael Hamilton) and Ann (Ross) Moritz, the latter who acted as his proxy and champion through many health issues and hospital stays in his later years; by his canine companion, Sam, his last of many dogs he loved; and by nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. In friendship Bill was wealthy, and his easy laugh, sparkling eyes, and pithy one-liners will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


A celebration of life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doc’s name to the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department or SPCA Serving Erie County.


RIORDAN- William F. “Doc”

Oct 15, 1955 - Jul 2, 2024

of Hamburg, NY. Beloved husband of Evelyne L. Riordan (née Lattimer); cherished father of Molly (Geoff Bucknum) Riordan and Daniel D. Riordan; dearest brother of Susan (late Michael Hamilton) Riordan and Ann (Ross) Moritz; loving son of the late Daniel (Phyllis) Riordan; survived by his canine companion Sam; also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and many loving friends. No prior visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined, memorial contributions may be made in Doc’s honor to the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department or the SPCA. Funeral arrangements entrusted to LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS INC. FUNERAL HOME (Hamburg Chapel).


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4 Comments


Paula Fenger
Paula Fenger
Jul 06

Before he was Doc, he was "Willie" and one of my first playmates. We grew up about 7 houses apart on Union St. I remember the time he and I got into some black paint in his garage and decided to paint ourselves with it ,we were at best 4 year olds. Needless to say as Mrs Riordan discovered us our playtime was over. Such fond memories of a very old friend. He is gone too young and I send love and peace out to Evie and family

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cherritys
Jul 04

Such a wonderful soul. Doc knew how to live and love and laugh in the memories I have of him. Evie my heart hurts for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss

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Laura Jenner
Laura Jenner
Jul 04

Dear Evie and family, my sincere sympathy. May you find strength and comfort at this very sad and difficult time.

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Virginia Bates
Virginia Bates
Jul 04

Evie - Michael and I send our love to you and the kids. So sorry to hear this news... but I'm sure Bill's at peace.


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