Thomas M. Riley; Banker

Thomas M. Riley, who helped lead the Santa Paula-based Citizens State Bank from a four-man operation to a multi-branch institution with $72 million in assets, has died at age 84.

Riley, chairman of the board of the bank, was vacationing in Ireland with two of his sons when he died July 4 after a brief illness.

He was born in San Francisco but had been a Santa Paula resident for 73 years. He graduated from Santa Paula Union High School in 1927 and, after a series of odd jobs, joined Citizens State Bank on Oct. 17, 1929, two days before its official opening.

He worked his way up in the company, starting as a bookkeeper and rising to president. In 1978, he retired and was named chairman of the board. Riley is credited with helping the bank expand to four branches in Ventura County and to gain assets totaling $72 million.

“He was one of the guiding lights of this institution,” said Floyd Griffin, vice president of the bank.

Riley also was active in his community, having served on the boards of the Santa Paula Union High School District, the Boys & Girls Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was named Grand Marshal of the Santa Paula Christmas Parade in November, 1991, to honor his years of service to the city.

He is described by family members as a kind, humble and religious man, dedicated to his wife of 52 years, Jean, and their seven children. He is survived by Jean Riley and six children. Riley’s son, Richard, died in 1989.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary in Santa Paula. A rosary will recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Sebastian Church in Santa Paula. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. James Rothe officiating. Burial will be in Santa Paula Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to Santa Paula Memorial Hospital or the Santa Paula Center Endowment Fund.