Dear Josh and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

I have fond memories of meeting your Dad when he was courtside, witnessing your tennis game in action. 

I hope that, in time, your sorrow softens and is balanced by the cherished memories of a kind, caring, and supportive father.

With Love,

Tim

My condolences to John's family. I grew up 3 houses away from the Rilla family on Melrose Ave. in Lakewood.  I remember what a wonderful person he was and also his wonderful family.  Johnny and I shared some interesting experiences in our youth and I treasure my memories of him and those great times.

All my memories of John revolve around family. We met shortly after Alanna and Josh began dating in 2006 (?) and we knew  from the beginning that John was proud of both his sons and loved them very much. When Alanna and Josh married in 2014 we had the good fortune to meet his siblings and other extended family at the wedding celebration on Peaks Island. He was so happy and grateful that they came to the wedding and we were so very happy for him. He loved that time he shared with them. More recently we have loved being able to share with him and Sharon the joy of being grandparents to Emmeline and Samuel. Life is short my friend and I’m glad we got to share a slice of it with you. 

Anne Marie

I was not privileged to know John when he was a young man. He came into my life after my daughter, Alanna, brought his son home from Amherst College one day. Since coming to know and love Josh and in that process getting to know John and Sharon, I came to admire John and appreciate that he and Sharon raised a remarkable man who has enriched the lives of many, including the Darling family. I believe one fair measure of a man may be made by taking stock of his children. He and Sharon have raised two remarkable sons. They did it right. I could not ask for a better companion for my daughter than Josh. John Rilla, thank you and God bless you. 

 Mark Darling

This is just a video of one of the great times that we had with Uncle John. He was like my big brother who I could always turn to for advice. Just one memory of Uncle John, Pops, Josh, and I at a Sox game when we got to spend the day at Fenway, go out on the field, watch batting practice, and our seats were behind home plate. I am pretty sure the Sox beat the Twins in that game

Rest in Peace Uncle Johnny. Ti Amo 😢

John and I played jayvee and varsity baseball at Pittsfield High School. Later on we played intramural softball at UMass Amherst. I'm very sorry to hear about John's passing, Rest in Peace, John. There's baseball in Heaven!

In Sympathy,

Hank Frydel (Former baseball teammate)