Michael Gaffney Riley

December 27, 1954 - May 1, 2016

Cary

Michael Gaffeny Riley died unexpectedly in his Cary home on Sunday May 1st 2016 at the age of 61. Michael is survived by his wife Kim; sons, Calin and Lucas; grandson, Liam; brothers Tom, Tim, Sean, Shannon Kevin; sisters, Cate, Sharon and Jan Ellen; and more true friends than there is space to print.

Michael was born on December 27 1954 in Utica, NY to Albert and Ann Riley. He graduated from New Hartford High School in 1974. He and Kim were married in Clinton NY on May 31st 1980. The couple had both boys prior to moving to NC, with Mike looking for work as a carpenter. Through his work ethic, and their team work Riley Contracting Group was created in only a few short years.

His principles as a manager were similar to those he held as a father: be kind, caring, honest, work hard, and take pride in what you do. His measurement of success extended beyond him personally; in business it was vital that customers were satisfied, partners had benefitted, and employees had prospered.

Friends and family will remember his playful sense of humor, unending kindness, and his compassionate and genuine hugs. In his last years, his favorite times were those spent with his grandson, Liam, who called him PePaw. Family Sundays were the light of his week.

Mike was an avid fisherman, lover of nature, caring husband, generous employer, hard worker, and amazing father and friend. His passing leaves a void in the lives of many people, the world is a sadder place without him.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 6th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Cary followed by a lighthearted reception at the MacGregor Draft House in Cary. In accordance with the wishes of the departed, in lieu of flowers, please submit donations to the North Carolina Democratic Party at NCDP.org.

Condolences can be sent to http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Michael-Riley&lc=4234&pid=179856786&mid=6912193

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on May 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Riley

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

37 Entries

Bill Grotevant

July 11, 2017

Dear Kim and Family - We are so incredibly saddened to hear of Mike's passing - we found out recently hence this late entry. Needless to say, Mike was a dear friend who I got to know much better after his brother Kevin died. Mike was a beacon of hope, of sincere friendship in times of strife, and I know he was always there when you needed him - ALWAYS there! I will miss him and his passion for life - he was one of a kind for sure. All of our positive thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever forward. God Bless. Warmest regards, Bill & Patti Grotevant

May 23, 2017

Kim and family:

I am in shock and so very sorry to hear of Mike's passing!! He was such a wonderful person and cared deeply for every thing he did.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and all the group at Riley Contracting and will always have fond memories of him and you.

So very sorry.

Barbara Hardy Conroy

Ira Rubin

May 26, 2016

We are truly sorry for the loss to your family. Mike was a great guy and we are luckier in life having known him. Kim, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this loss.

Edward O'Grady

May 11, 2016

We are sorry for your family's loss of Mike please except our condolences. Edward O'Grady and family

Jan and Dave Joslyn

May 9, 2016

Dear Kim and family,
There aren't words to describe the sadness that surrounds the loss of your husband and dad. MIke was truly "one in a million." Generosity is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Mike. Also, the words loyalty and fun capture Mike's life. A dedicated family man and devoted husband, Mike was a role model in his support and love for his family. He will be missed by so many.
May God comfort and strengthen you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jan and Dave Joslyn

Rick Bagnall

May 9, 2016

To the Riley Clan...So Sorry to hear of the loss of Mike...I didn't know him as an adult but if he was anything like he was when he was a kid he must have been a joy to know...Love and Prayers to the family..

May 9, 2016

Dear Kim,Calin, Lucas,Liam and Cate, Sharon,Tim,Tom,Shawn,Shannon.
I loved Mike's smile, his ready wit and positive outlook. He was a true Riley, a hard working, outgoing guy with that Riley sense of humor, a wonderful blend of Al and Ann. He left us too early but he left us with the memory of how he touched our lives. If we make it to our golden years, we McCarthys and Rileys will sit around the kitchen table and remember Eighth Lake and New Hartford and Mike and Kevin and little Jan Ellen and all the fun we had. We will miss him. Mary Lou McCarthy Hayford

Marie LoGalbo

May 7, 2016

Tim, Cath,Sharon, Tom, Shawn Shannon,

I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I just talked to him a few weeks ago via email. Talked about our childhhod and how greatful I was for your family . Laughed about him being my mom's sweetheart and how he loved her Mac & Cheese.

I will always remember his smile and your family .

Your family has always remained in my thoughts and prayers.

Marie Anna
(LoGalbo)

Ron and Marisa Biever

May 6, 2016

Dear Kim, Calin and Luke,

We are feel such sadness for all you with the loss of Mike. Although we are new acquaintances, we feel like we have know Mike and all of you for a long time. It is clear that his passion for life is contagious and embracing. His love of family and how he accepted our daughter as his own is so warming. I am not sure how to replace all that Mike has given, but I trust that he will be guiding all of you as you make your way through this new life you must face. We will do our part to make sure Liam never forgets a very special grandfather and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

With peace and love,

Ron and Marisa

May 6, 2016

Kim and Riley Family,
I am very sorry that Mike passed away at such a young age. Mike was a Great Guy and Great Friend. We had a lot of good times growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Jones

Kirk, Lesley, Connor and Trex Bennett

May 6, 2016

Mike will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by so many. I will always cherish the fun times we had over the years. My gratitude for the opportunity and guidance that he gave me over the years is endless. We will keep Kim and her family in our thoughtful prayers.

May 5, 2016

To the Entire Riley Family,
Many have said it, but there truly are not words to express our sympathy to you all on Mike's untimely passing. A lot of our memories of Mike, besides school days, go way back to when our families used to campaign for Mike's dad, Al. It was always fun.....win or lose.
Mike has now won his race....RIP our friend.

Love to you all from the Kloster Family

Tom and Kathy Brearley

May 5, 2016

Kim, Calin, Lucas and Liam - Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Mike. May your wonderful memories help you through the difficult days ahead and know that you have a special guardian angel watching over all of you.

May 5, 2016

I never remember seeing my cousin Mike when he wasn't smiling and there wasn't a playful glint in his eye. That's how I'll think of him forever. He'll certainly light up Heaven.
With love, -Joe and Marina McCarthy

Father John Rose

May 5, 2016

Such a loving man with a big heart with room for all. I had the good fortune of knowing Al and Anne who were the architects of a loving, caring family. They imparted to Mike and his siblings the values of faith, family and integrity. Mike in turn carried on the tradition. He met lovely Kim, his soul mate. Mike built not only homes but more importantly, with Kim, they built a strong relationship and a lovely family.

Mike taught us the meaning of compassion, faithfulness and caring respect for all. He left us the blueprints for what life is truly about. I will always remember his kind heartedness and gentle inner strength. He left us a great legacy.He was totally other focused. The world is a better place and so are we who were blessed to have known him. Mike got it right. They don't come any better than Mike Riley.

My heart goes out to you Kim and the whole Riley clan...are are all the best......thanks for your goodness.
Father John Rose
Syracuse, NY

John Thomas

May 5, 2016

Dear Kim, Calin, Luke, your families, and my Riley Contracting family,

Reading through these messages, it's abundantly clear we all shared the love and generosity of Mike's big heart. Because he carried so many of us in it for so many years, we all hoped it would carry him as well for many more good years, but it was sadly not to be. Now we must carry each other, as he did us.

Looking for work in l989, I had two job offers the same day and chose Mike's, even tho it was $3/hr. less, because I knew right away during the interview I wanted to work for him, which I did up until 3 years ago. Through hard times and good, we built a strong bond, and he did the same for every employee and many of the subcontractors he worked with. He was indeed a remarkable man, who made it a pleasure to go to work, and the world needs more men like him. He will be sorely missed.

Love to all,
John "JT" Thomas

May 5, 2016

My love to the AJ Riley family! You are in our thoughts and prayers and I will fondly hold my memories of Mike always. He was a genuinely wonderful man and such fun to be around! My love to you all. Cousin Ann Riley

Antonio and Michelle Walker -Walker Building Maintenance

May 5, 2016

We have had the pleasure of working with Mike and the Riley Contracting Group for more than 15 years. Mike was very down-to-earth and a great man who will be missed. Condolences to Kim, Calin and Luke on his sudden passing.

.

Joe C

May 5, 2016

To the Riley Family,
So sorry to hear about Mike's passing.I am shocked and saddend.My heart felt thoughts and memories go with the entire family.Rest in Peace my friend.Kevin will welcome you with open arms!

May 4, 2016

My love to all of you in this very sad time. Ellen Dorgan Harootunian

Tim Sherry

May 4, 2016

Kim Cal Luke,
I don' t know the right works to try to comfort your loss.Mike was one of a kind and I am very proud to say that we were friends.Your loss is felt far and wide by all his friends and associates.Cal and Luke please remember all the good times with your dad,he was very speical as you well know.

stay strong love you all

tIm & Kathy sherry

Dave Kleps

May 4, 2016

Dear Kim, Calin, Lucas, Tom, Tim, Sean, Shannon, Cate, Sharon, and Jan Ellen,

I can't express my sadness enough after hearing of Mikes passing.

Mike and I go way back to elementary school. We really connected as good friends in our later years of high school. we fished, camped and partied - a lot!
We went up to Canton College together - Mikes stay there was short - he absolutely didn't need college - but it was fun when he was there!
Mike went out west when our whole gang was doing that.

I recall vividly when Mike asked me to meet him in Utica to introduce me to the love of his life Kim - that meant a lot to me.

As the years passed I could see Mike was going to be successful - a true entrepreneur - he was afraid of nothing. When he left for NC with Kim and their 2 young boys I knew he'd do great - but wow - how fast and how successful - we were all so proud of him up here

Over the years we stayed in touch and I made several visits.
it had been a few, but last summer we planned to get together for a visit in Raleigh - then I got the call about his stroke and we had to hold

So just last week - Mike and I swapped e mails and he brought me up to speed on his recovery and all that was happening in his life and family- that he had made a good recovery and he said "Life is very good and I feel blessed and lucky"!

This is so sad - but at least I have a consolation that we spoke one last time.
Mike was a special life long friend

Love and Regards

Dave

Tim Shear

May 4, 2016

Mike was truly an amazing person. He gave me a job many years ago when I was struggling to get on my feet and he certainly didn't need the help at the time. I was just one of many that he helped over the years. I will always remember his genuine kindness and generosity and it is rare that you come across someone like him in your lifetime. He will be sorely missed.

Kim, Calin, Luke-Please accept my sincerest condolences. Your husband/father was one heckuva guy.

Tim Shear

Carlos Mazariegos Jr

May 4, 2016

God bless you and comfort you in this time I was blessed to meet one of the noblest and helpful men have existed , " MIKE RILEY " my condolences to the entire family.

Carlos Jr.
Chapin Masonry

Dave Kleps

May 4, 2016

To Kim, Calin, Lucas, Tom, Tim, Sean, Shannon, Sharon, Cate, and Jan Ellen,

I can't express the sadness that I have upon hearing of Mike's passing.
As you probably know Mike and I go way back to elementary school. We really became close in our final years of high school - we fished, camped, and partied a lot.
We went to Canton ATC college together with Kim Rand. It was a short stint for Mike - he truly never needed college - but it was fun while he was there! He went out west when our whole gang headed that way and eventually met Kim. I remember vividly Mike asking me to meet him in Utica to introduce me to the love of his life Kim Crill and announce they were getting married - that meant a lot to me.
As the years passed in NH I saw Mike beginning to grow in to a true entrepreneur - he was never afraid to take any risks and when he left with Kim and their 2 young boys for NC - I knew he'd be successful - but he amazed me at how quickly that happened - fantastic - really.
We kept in touch and I made several visits, but less over the past few years.
Then just last summer we planned a day together he'd pick me up at airport - but about 2 weeks before he had his stroke- so that didn't happen.

So just last week after not having spoken for nearly a year - we e mailed back and forth and he brought me up to speed on all that was happening in his life and I told him I'd see him this fall when I would be area. He ended with "Life is very Good"

I could not be more sad - for you and all the friends he made in NC - but at least we had that last conversation albeit by e mail

Love and Regards to all
Dave

Carlos Mazariegos

May 4, 2016

It was a blessing to meet my dear friend Mike , it was a pleasure to have worked for Him , rest is peace my dear Mike

Gail Duncan

May 4, 2016

Kim and family, so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Paul & Ann Brunswick

May 4, 2016

I have known Mike since he did some work for us at GoodMark Foods in 1992 and also as a fellow duffer at MacGregor. Mike was always a gentleman and a joy to be around. His enthusiasm was contagious. We also admired the way he has taken care of Kim in her time of need. Our deepest sympathy to Kim and family.
Ann & Paul Brunswick

Ray Durr

May 4, 2016

Kim and family

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that Mike loved everyone in his life. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

May 4, 2016

So very sorry, please accept my greatest sympathy.Audrey Durr

Jim McCurry

May 4, 2016

Mike was responsible for building many lasting memories for those us who were fortunate enough to know him.

My condolences to the Riley family.

John Kiehm

May 4, 2016

Kim and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mike. I had the good fortune of working with Mike when I first moved here from NY. Mike was one of a kind and it was an honor to know him. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time of grief.

Stephen Durr

May 4, 2016

From the NC Durr's- Thoughts and prayers go out to the Riley Clan. We are saddened by this loss to no words. We remember our visits fondly, and hope to see you again soon.

Rob Bromley

May 4, 2016

Just a devastating loss for all that knew Mike. A true man of character, humility and caring that made me a better man today for knowing him these past 20 years. He leaves behind a powerful & lasting legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to Kim, Calin, Luke and Mike's entire extended family.

Rob, Nancy, Cawley, Madeline & Ellie Bromley

Allison Streeter

May 3, 2016

Mike was one of the best!! He hired me at Riley Contracting Group when I moved to NC and took such great care of me while I worked there. Such a wonderful, kind, caring person. I feel fortunate to have known Mike and will forever be grateful to him. Kim, Calin and Lucas, I am so very sorry for your loss.

May 3, 2016

Kim, Calin, Amy, Liam & Lucas,
So very sorry for your loss. Hold on to all of your precious memories of Mike and he will always be with you.
Take care and God bless,
Charlie, Judy, Jessica & Patrick

Maura Silverman

May 3, 2016

We, at the Triangle Aphasia Project, Unlimited, and me, personally, are just devastated by the news of this sudden and tragic loss. Mike Riley is responsible for TAP having a home...we could never thank him enough. His generosity, humble nature and integrity was simply inspirational. My heart is so heavy for Kim, their boys and entire families. Maura Silverman

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