Obituaries

Dr. Michael D. Riley, 73

February 23, 2019

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.

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Condolences to the Family

March 05, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. I will miss Dr. Riley’s kind and warm words of wisdom during the departmental Holiday Season gatherings. I wish you comfort and peace as you remember him.

March 01, 2019

Condolences to your family Mike. Class of 63 was unarguably the greatest class of the best kids in the world. Mike, you were one of our brightest stars and the world is a little bit darker since you have been gone.
Rest in peace my high school friend. Mike Dyer class of 63 (sort of).

March 01, 2019

So sorry

March 01, 2019

My condolences and prayers are with you,Anne. God bless you and your family.

March 01, 2019

Anne, so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

February 28, 2019

Anne and family. I was very sad to see of Mike’s passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
James Moyer (class oh 63 )

February 28, 2019

Anne and family, So sad to hear about your loss. We send much love your way.
“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

February 27, 2019

I first met Mike twenty years ago when I interviewed for my present position as an English professor at Penn State Berks. I never heard Mike say an unkind remark to anybody, he exuded good will toward others, and he was part of the soul of Penn State Berks. In addition he had admirable wit–his humorous remarks cracked me up. Our community and world are less humane without you, Mike!

February 27, 2019

Hi Anne; so sorry to see of the passing of Michael. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will not be able to come on Saturday,will be going to a family members funeral. Please give me a call when you are up to it. Sending love and blessings to get you through this difficult time.Donna Kiser

February 27, 2019

Dear Anne, Mary and I send our sincere prayers and sympathy to you and your family. We were so sorry to read of Mike’s passing. We remember you both from class of 63 and the band years with fond memories. God bless. Mary (Humpf) and Mike Nicklaus (we retired to Fort Myers, Florida)

February 27, 2019

Anne, Erin, and Devin we are sorry for the loss of MIKE, YOUR DEAR HUSBAND AND FATHER We knew him thru the prayer meeting years ago wE BLEST to know him there.ERIN our son STEPHEN SENDS HIS sympathy to you personally MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY at this time.

February 27, 2019

I was greatly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Some years back Mike and I were part of a team-teaching project on Roman History. It was a pleasure to work with him on a regular basis and partake of his wisdom and wit on the subject.
Mike played a major role in bringing the Berks College along to where it is today. I am proud to have been his friend.

Visitation: Saturday, March 02, 2019; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Road; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Saturday, March 02, 2019; 11:00 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Road; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >