Obituary

Rebecca Louise Riley

of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Born September 12th 1948 Deceased, July 14th 2021

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Fred S. Jones and Ethel Opal Jones (nee) Banta. Rebecca is survived by her brother, Philip W. Jones and Patricia of Verona, Ky. Aunts, Dorothy Masters (nee) Banta and Patricia Corman (nee) Banta of Nicholasville, Ky. and Teddy Banta of Covington, Ky. Nieces, Michelle Hoffman (nee) Jones and Kenneth Hoffman, Diana Buddenberg (nee) Jones and Eric Buddenberg and Nephew, Christopher Jones and Jennifer. And 14 grand nieces and nephews.

Rebecca was a business owner, Realtor, and Yacht Broker in ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was a very giving person who made lifelong friends wherever she went. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends around the globe.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

Rebecca was also well recognized for her integrity, knowledge, hard work and determination by yacht charter and real estate clients and associates around the world. She established her own successful yacht brokerage, yacht charter and real estate company in Fort Lauderdale and her motto was, “The secret to success is to surround yourself with great people” and she did. Her array of loyal clients trusted her to find them the best yachts, homes, etc.(“Anything on Water”) and knew that she would also negotiate the best deal.

A long time member of MYBA, AYCA and IYBA, she faithfully attended the Antigua Yacht Charter Show from its beginning many years ago. Captains, associates and industry members worldwide respected her and appreciated her professionalism, detail and drive.

Rebecca was a graduate from Harvard with a Masters in International Marketing. She later brought her own yacht to Pier 66 for charter in 1992, (when we became friends) then she finalized her captain’s license and became “Captain Riley“ running her own yacht charters in Cincinnati.*

Rebecca will be most remembered for having her own style, being a great companion, mentor, savvy world traveler, and a dear and caring friend. She was an adventurer and always game for pretty much anything from target practice to swimming with the Mantas in Fiji. She did not “sugar-coat” her thoughts or words and provided tough love and wisdom. She was never wrong but usually right, a great negotiator, a true professional, feisty with class and steadfast loyalty. She was someone you could count on to get it done, to be there, to have your back and to keep a secret.

Rebecca lived to travel and made true friends in all corners of the globe. She loved food (especially steak or stone crabs) and art of all types, concerts and music from country to classical, and has written a book about her art collection. If you had the opportunity to meet Rebecca, you remember her. She could act a princess or aim a rifle, and was true to her beliefs. She truly loved her 102 year old Aunt and traveled often to spend time and play cards with her.

She made the most of life and left a lasting impression on so many of us. Long walks, long talks, fine wine, good food, laughter and wit were always in company and hers will be missed by so many.