Steven Reiley
1949 - 2023
Steven Reiley
1949 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
Steven Reiley Obituary
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Steven Douglas Reiley age 74, of Kalamazoo, MI died on August 16, 2023. He was born July 7, 1949, in Kalamazoo, the son of Orville and Joyce (Fonner) Reiley. Steven was a 1967 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. He attended Western Michigan University for two years, then transferred to the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a Masters Degree in String Performance. He majored in Double Bass and minored in Cello. Steven was the Assistant Principal Double Bassist in the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra from 1974-1981. He toured with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and was honored to be included on a recording featuring the DSO. In November of 1978, Steven opened Guarneri House with Philip Greenberg where he shared his gifts as a Master Bass and Bow Maker. Many of his Basses and Bows are being played by concert artists in major Symphony Orchestras. At last count, Steven had made 42 basses and about 100 bows. In 1990, Steven and Paula became the sole owners of the business. They ran it together until 2014, when they retired and turned the keys over to their son, Aaron. Steven was a member of the International Society of Double Bassists, where he served on the board. He was also a member of the Violin Society of America. On August 29, 1969, Steven married Paula Thompson. When he was asked when he was married his reply was always "August 29 was the happiest day of my life". They remained "Best Friends" for 54 years. His passion was music, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. Steven was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen Bach and his brother Michael Reiley. He is survived by his wife, Paula Reiley. His children: Shawn (David) Felicijan, Terrisa Reiley and Aaron (Linda Marie) Reiley. His grandchildren: Abbagail (Nick) Zoerhof, Samantha (Oryan) Wetherington, Damon Cronk, Donovan Reiley (Caleb Lounsbery), Luke Reiley, Lindsay Felicijan, Morgan Cypher, Matthew Cypher and Kellie Felicijan. His brother Phillip (Susan) Reiley, brother-in-law James Bach, sister-in-law Susan Reiley and his nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 pm on Friday, August 25th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Gilson Cemetery in Scotts MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent, in the name of Steven Reiley, to the "International Society of Double Bassists" for the "Luthier Scholarship Fund" to help aspiring bass and bow makers. For donation information please visit their website: International Society of Bassists - Welcome (isbworldoffice.com) Please visit Steven's personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com
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5 Entries
Timothy W Holley
March 20, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the family of Steven Reiley. I found my current cello at the Guarneri Violin Grand Rapids Shop in 1982. I regret that my schedule didn't permit many return visits but my satisfaction and thanks continue without end.
Susan Mercy
October 13, 2023
I have many fond memories of visits to Guarnieri house when I was a child and teenager. I am happy to have owned a Reiley violin bow since I was 14 years old. It is the perfect match to my violin and I treasure both owning it, and having known Steven.
Julia Bushkova
August 24, 2023
My deepest condolences to Paula, Aaron, and the rest of the family. This is such a huge loss...
I met Steve and Paula back in 1988 when I was taken to the Guarneri House to look for an instrument since I was not allowed to bring mine to the USA. Steve was very helpful, and I left with a wonderful old Italian violin, which served me on many concert stages for more than 30 years.
Later on, when I taught at Interlochen, I used to come down with many of my students' bows to rehair and violins to fix. Once, when I brought my own bow to rehair, Steve showed me the most beautiful bow that he had for sale and offered to use it for the week. This bow sounded much better than my own on my violin; it was easier to handle, and all bowings came out sort of by themselves. When I came back to pick up my rehaired bow, Steve asked me how much I liked it. I said, "Too much; it is so much better than mine. It is just too bad that I do not have money to buy it." He looked at me for a moment and then said, "Would you like to swap it with yours?" I could not believe my ears... And yes, since then, I have been playing with this most beautiful Hill bow.
Steve and Paula, and later Aaron, came to Texas, where I have been teaching for the last twenty years.
I am so very sad to read the news of Steve's passing...
Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Linda Reiley Kelly
August 22, 2023
Steven, my cousin, was one year older than I am; and he never let me forget that either. Whenever we went swimming, his mother told him to watch me because I couldn´t swim. One summer, Steve and his brother, Mike, decided they didn´t want to "babysit" the non-swimmer. So, they taught me how to swim. They have been my heroes ever since. Love you Steve and God Bless.
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Alan Hays
August 20, 2023
I remember Steve as the excellent and respected alto saxophonist I sat next to for several years in junior and senior high school. I really enjoyed playing in the Band Follies dance bands with him, where his playing carried the sax section. With his patient help and later his private lessons, my playing improved greatly. Regrettably, our paths didn´t cross after his graduation, but occasionally I have a mental image of us in band that always brings a smile to my face. May you rest in peace, Steven.
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