Dr. Jeffrey Bruce Riker, a Harvard-educated pulmonologist, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and bladder cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jeff was born on February 12, 1941 in Flushing ( Queens), New York. He grew up in a loving home with his parents, Harold (who was also a doctor) and Marjorie, and his older brother, Norman.

Jeffrey excelled in school and attended Columbia University, where he studied pre-medicine, before earning his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

He married the love of his life, Barbara, in 1964, and this year they celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Barbara and Jeff were longtime family friends and first met in kindergarten. During the Vietnam War, Jeff served in the U.S. Public Health Service. Their son, Jonathan, was born soon after, followed by their daughter, Stephanie. In 1972, the family moved to Southern California, where Jeff established a private pulmonary practice while serving at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center as a pulmonologist. He practiced medicine for over 50 years. At Long Beach Memorial, he was highly involved in hospital administration roles, as well as being a founder of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis program. He held the roles of medical director of respiratory care services, and medical critical care. He led the pulmonary rehabilitation unit, and was also director of the medical intensive care unit. Additionally he was a professor of medicine at UC Irvine.

Jeff and Barbara traveled the world, and visited over 50 countries. During medical school and his internship, he volunteered in Africa and South America, providing medical care where it was greatly needed. He enjoyed annual trips to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as the island of St Barts in the Caribbean. In addition to travel, he enjoyed skiing, swimming, tennis, walks on the beach, reading the newspaper cover to cover. A gentle soul, Jeff found great joy in gardening and took particular delight in flowers with beautiful blooms. To unwind, he loved his "tanning time" in his backyard by the pool. He was also a great lover of all things chocolate, and enjoyed his chocolate egg creams every night. Jeff had many friends in the Palos Verdes community, at his synagogue, Temple Beth El in San Pedro, where he served as President for two years, as well as his extensive medical community in Long Beach.

Jeff treasured the close bond he shared with his older brother, Norman, and Norman's wife, Estelle, who also settled in Southern California. Over the years, their families celebrated countless holidays, milestones, and joyful occasions together, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Jeff was thrilled to see both of his children get married: Jon to his wife, Inno, and Stephanie to her husband, Robert.

One of Jeff's greatest joys was becoming a grandfather to Lauren and Justin. He treasured holidays, birthdays, family vacations, and the opportunity to babysit and spend time with them as they grew.

Jeff's kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family, patients, community, and faith touched countless lives. His legacy of compassion and service will live on in all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Alzheimer's Foundation https://www.alz.org/