Cornelius Riordan, 84, of Cummaquid, MA passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025 at home, after several years of declining health. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, colleague, professor, friend to many, and lifelong Red Sox fan.

Born in Worcester, MA to the late Cornelius and Mary Riordan, he grew up there and graduated from Classical High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Fitchburg State University. He became a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Iran where he taught vocational education. After his return, he received his master’s degree from Clark University and his doctorate in sociology from Syracuse University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. He had a 40-year career at Providence College where he was a professor emeritus of sociology and a treasured mentor to the many students who worked with him.

It was at Clark University where he met his loving wife of 58 years, Arline Riordan, who survives him. Their journey began over meals at the Parkway Diner in Worcester and continued through many wonderful adventures.

His greatest contribution to this world was to his family. He was caring, loyal, and was always there for the big and small moments. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Julie (David), Kate (Ed), and his two cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth and Zachary. They brought him such joy and he was so proud of them. He taught them to be both kind and courageous whether pitching a ball or deconstructing a molecule. He meant the world to his family and will be missed beyond measure. His family would like to thank the hospice nurses who cared for him with such compassion during his illness. His daughters are deeply grateful to their mother for her gentle, faithful care of their father. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Providence College Angel Fund at https://give.providence.edu/campaigns/50811/donations/new?a=9018345

A funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Parish in St. Jude’s Chapel, 5 Job’s Fishing Road, Mashpee, MA on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private.

Dear Arline, Kate and family, My deepest sympathy to all. Neil was a cherished colleague. When I first started at PC he became a mentor to me providing me with sound advice and guidance. I will always remember his kindness.

To Dr. Riordan's family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was a sociology major and had many classes with Dr. Riordan. He was a great professor and kind man. May memories bring you peace.

Arline and family: We were saddened to hear that Neil had died and hope that you can take solace in the wonderful life you had together. I (Michael) am grateful for having known Neil for so many years at PC and always enjoyed our warm, stimulating, and engaging conversations.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of this intelligent, kind, good person. He was a wonderful colleague who offered insightful reflections from his astute observations. I appreciated his feedback and support when I was in academic administration. He was not the loudest person in the room, but he had real wisdom about what mattered.

Dear Riordan Family, I was saddened by the news of Neil's death. Over many years of teaching together with him at Providence College, I came to admire his scholarly work and more importantly his devotion to his students. Indeed, he was an highly-esteemed colleague and a much-valued member of the PC family. All of you are in my prayers as is the eternal life of this wonderful Christian gentleman.