Julian "Blair" Riley

It’s with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Julian “Blair” Riley on September 5, 2025. He passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Blair was born on December 11, 1943 in Richmond VA. He was raised in Kensington, MD by his late Mother Dorothy June Cottrell. His Grandfather, Julian Cottrell, Grandmother Evelyn Cottrell, and Uncle, Julian Cottrell, jr. They were big influences in his life.

He lived a life marked by service to his community, strength, and devotion to his family. He served as a Montgomery County Fire Fighter at Bethesda, station 6 for over 38 years. Before that he was a volunteer at Kensington, station 5. After retiring he didn’t sit back and go fishing ..although he loved it. He instead was active with his son in law in a landscaping business, he worked for A&P contractors as a carpenter. Then he spent the next 20 years working a full time job in his son’s business, Kolley’s Exterminating. He ran a full time route until he was 80. He loved to share stories about his time growing up in Kensington. He also shared fond memories about all of his customers that he loved and their animals…he never met an animal he didn’t like. He loved dinners with his family, eating a good steak on the smoker and chocolate chip cookies became his dessert of choice.

He is survived by his Daughter, Jill Hudson and Son In Law, Greg. His son, Gene Riley and Daughter In Law, Judy. Four Grandchildren, Jake, Danielle and fiancé Ryan Girod, Luke and Blake Riley. His Captian from Bethesda and best friend, John Damsky and Cousin, Johnny Cottrell, whom both came and visited when he was going through his illness. Wife, Diane Riley and numerous other family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. If you would like to be there please let us know at this address, Jillylaine@aol.com

If Blair made an impact in your life, please make a donation to an animal shelter or rescue of your choosing. Most of all stay positive, be kind and good to each other, like our dad was to others.