Dr. Michael D. Riley, 73, of Leola passed away February 23, 2019 at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Charles B. and Sarah M. Riley. He is the loving husband of Anne M. (Waller) Riley. They were married for 52 years.

Michael was a 1963 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 from the University of Scranton, a Master of Arts degree in 1969 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree with a specialty in Eighteenth Century English Literature in 1973 from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Michael taught for 36 years, five years with the University System of Georgia and 31 years with The Pennsylvania State University: three years teaching at the Wilkes-Barre Campus and 28 years at the Berks Campus. Michael retired Emeritus Professor of English from Pennsylvania State University in 2009.

He has published six volumes of poetry and a new book of poetry will be published posthumous inspired by his love of mysteries and forensics called Pattern Evidence. He has been published in anthologies such as Irish American Poetry from the Eighteenth Century to the Present and Blood to Remember: American Poets on the Holocaust. His poems have appeared in 300+ books and periodicals, including AMERICA, Poetry, Poetry Ireland Review and Rattle.

Michael was an accomplished musician. He performed as a saxophone player and lead vocalist in The Barons, a band formed when he was in high school. The Barons Blues Band reformed in 1981, was popular in the Lancaster music scene, performing in The Blue Star, Smokin' Jakes as well as the Lancaster Blues Festival at The Chameleon Club.

Michael dearly loved his family and was dearly loved in return. In addition to his wife Anne, he is survived by his two children: Erin Riley, fiancee of Eric Friesen, Los Angeles, CA and Devin Riley, husband of Janine Riley, Lititz, PA. He's also survived by four grandchildren: Molly, Ray, Kaela and Brady; and three siblings, Carol Schlutker, C. Pat Riley, husband of Audrey Riley and Shirley Usner.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11AM. Friends and family will be received from 10AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Michael Riley Scholarship Fund for the Liberal Arts. Checks can be made payable to Devin Riley. Please note in memo "Dr. Michael Riley Scholarship Fund" and mail to Devin Riley, 362 Harvest Dr, Lititz, PA 17543.