Dr. Michael N. Riley

About

St Rita High School

Michael Riley Obituary

Dr. Michael N. RILEY Passed away suddenly on October 8, 2008 in Reston Virginia at the age of 58 from a massive heart attack. He was born on October 4, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to Michael Norman Riley, Sr., and Elizabeth Bellheimer Riley. He is survived by his wife, Gail, their daughter Michelle of Gaithersburg, MD, Michelle's fiancÃ©, Kevin Roehner, his sister, Jackie Ansted of Chicago IL, his brother-in-law Chuck Meagher of Chicago IL, numerous nieces and nephews of Chicago IL, dear friends Guy and Kathy Hofer of Middletown, MD and his dog, dear friend and confidante Riley Riley. Dr. Riley started his career at St. Rita High School in Chicago, IL as an English teacher. He later served as Director of Studies and Director of Admissions on the Board of Administration for seven years. Dr. Riley came to Frederick, Maryland in 1984 - 1993 as Principal of Middletown High School and Governor Thomas Johnson High School. In 1993 Mike became Superintendent of Northwest Areas Schools in the Baltimore County Public Schools. In 1995 he was promoted to Deputy Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools where he served for four years. In July, 1996 Dr. Riley assumed the position of Superintendent of the Bellevue School District where he served for thirteen years resigning in November to become the Senior Vice President for the College Board's EXCELerator Schools Program. Mike was a brilliant educator and one of the country's most respected superintendents of schools. Educators around the country mourn the loss of one of their most valued voices. Mike loved his work and he loved his family. Everyone that knew him knew that Gail and Michelle were his real world. Mike will always remain a hero to his daughter Michelle. His loss and their grief is heart breaking. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to a children's charity of your choice. Bellevue Schools Foundation has established the Mike Riley Legacy Funds to honor Mike's vision, passion and leadership during his tenure in Bellevue Schools. Contributions to the fund should be sent to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (http://www.bsfdn.org/). Mike was also active in the YMCA of Greater Seattle (http://www.seattleymca.org/page.cfm), the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club (http://www.bgca.org/), and YES (http://www.youtheastsideservices.org/). A public viewing will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home (http://www.dignitymemorial.com) at 1215 - 145th Place Southeast in Bellevue, WA on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. A public Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue at 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue WA on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. (http://www.fpcbellevue.org/About/GuestInfo/GetTh ere.ashx?p=1471). To express your condolences and share your memories, please visit our website at: www.mem.com.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Riley

6 Entries

James lorber

January 14, 2024

I worked for balto Co public schools. Mike was a good man.

Theresa Hardin

October 17, 2008

Mike was truly a visionary in the education of children. He pursued his dreams for all kids with passion and undaunted commitment. In pursuing his passion and his dreams, he never expected of others what he did not first demand of himself. He was a leader who inspired others to desire and strive for the best for children. My admiration for him was beyond measure. Mike was not only my professional leader and advocate, but he was a personal friend. I am devastated by his loss and still unable to mentally comprehend the magnanimous loss to children, educators, and most of all to Gail, Michelle, his family and his friends. Gail and Michelle I extend to you my deepest sympathy. It was not possible to know Mike without knowing his deep and abiding love for the two of you.
Theresa Hardin (Lutherville MD Baltimore County)

Lynne Montenegro

October 16, 2008

I was one of the secretaries who worked with Mike when he was Area Superintendent of NW Area Schools in Baltimore County, MD. Mike was one of the smartest and funniest people I have ever met. His untimely death was a shock to me - - we have lost an educator dedicated to enriching the lives of children. My sincere sympathy to Gail, Michelle and the rest of his family and friends.

Audrey Bennett

October 16, 2008

As a PTSA leader at Newport and on the Bellevue PTSA Council, I spent many hours with Dr. Riley and of course have seen the effects of his remarkable vision on the education of my two children. Both have had the freedom to study whatever subjects they wanted without facing any 'gatekeeping.' They were never told, "You can't take this class."

Just one generation ago my parents were told exactly that at age 14, and emigrated to the US so that their children would not encounter the same fate. Dr. Riley's promise of giving each child access to a first class education means much more to me than simply promoting AP classes. It means that a girl who struggles with tests but appreciates beauty can still sign up for AP Art History; and a boy who is unusually intelligent but eating free lunch at a Title I school can get the education he needs to become an engineer instead of a machinist.

I extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Gail and Michelle and all his friends and supporters. You fill my thoughts and prayers.

Brian Benzel

October 14, 2008

Mike was my colleague and professional friend throughout his years of service in Bellevue Public Schools. We spoke frequently and enjoyed shared interests in student achievement and supporting quality teaching. His sudden death is a shock to all of us. My prayers and best wishes are with Gail, Michelle and Mike's many close family members and friends. His dedication and service to our state's children will not be forgotten.

Patti Skelton-McGougan

October 12, 2008

Mike was a true leader and champion for our kids . I am truly saddened by his loss. Mike served on our Advisory Council for Youth Eastside Services. We will all miss him. He made such a positive difference for so many of our communities kids and families. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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