Former Supervisors Chairman Riley Seriously Ill

Former County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas F. Riley was rushed to a emergency room this week after suffering intense pain caused by a growth near his spine, his wife said Wednesday.

The 83-year-old retired Marine Corps general was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian on Tuesday after the apparent relapse, said his wife, Emma Jane Riley. The former supervisor--whose political career spanned 20 years--had surgery in February, 1994, for a cyst in his spine that was causing him severe leg pain, she said.

“It’s a compression of the spinal cord. He’s seriously ill,” Emma Jane Riley said. “He’s been bedridden and in a wheelchair for some time now. He has pain in his leg and hasn’t been able to walk or do anything for some time now.”

The couple are considering traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to seek out treatment, Emma Jane Riley said. She said she is looking into having her husband transported there by air ambulance because he cannot withstand the rigors of such a trip on a regular commercial flight.

“He’s in no shape to do that,” she said.

Hoag Hospital spokeswoman Maureen Mazzatenta refused to discuss Riley’s condition. Riley, who was appointed to the Board of Supervisors in 1974 by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, was widely known for his attention to details. He rarely missed a board meeting, even when his health began to deteriorate in recent years.

In 1991, he underwent quadruple-bypass heart surgery. In December, 1993, he suffered a painful foot infection that required a five-day hospital stay. His diabetes required close monitoring and over the years he had bouts with asthma and emphysema.

Despite the health problems that frequently caused speculation that he would retire early, “the general,” as he was affectionately known at the Hall of Administration, was determined to complete his term that ended last December.

But after a lifelong career in public service, Riley’s retirement was clouded by Orange County’s bankruptcy. As board chairman at the time of the financial collapse, Riley acknowledged that he should have done more to try to head off the scandal caused when longtime Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert L. Citron gambled public funds on a risky investment strategy.

Supervisor William G. Steiner said he spoke with Riley a few weeks ago, urging him to accept an award at a Nov. 16 fund-raiser for the Orangewood Children’s Home. The fund-raiser will recognize the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II and honor American heroes, Steiner said.

After a little coaxing, Riley agreed to attend as an honoree, Steiner recalled.

“Our prayers are always with the general,” Steiner said. “He’s proved himself a fighter in the past. His strong will shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Emma Jane Riley said she and her husband have relied on close friends to help them through the difficult past few weeks.

“I’m so pleased that we do have thoughtful friends,” she said. “They’ve been so helpful.”