Riley, Mary A. (nee Lake)

84, of Buffalo, passed away on October 31, 2025. Daughter of the late Albert J. and Mary A. (Neidbala) Lake, Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Mary was preceded by her husband, Robert, of 55 years. She is survived by her children: Michael (Maureen), Mary Beth (Eric) Metcalf, Patrick (Denise), Daniel (Pamela), Christopher (Joanna), Charles (Tina), Kathleen, and Paul (Yrua), as well as fourteen grandchildren. A graduate of Nardin Academy ('59) and D'Youville University ('64), Mary earned a BA in Education and went on to teach at Nardin Academy before taking leave to raise eight children, foster four others, and babysit many. Mary later returned to her alma mater, St. Agnes School, teaching kindergarten for another eighteen years. Mary was a beloved teacher who worked tirelessly for her students and parish community. Mary was a dedicated member of the East Lovejoy community where she lived her entire life. Together with her husband Robert, Mary was instrumental in retaining Engine 28 in East Lovejoy, facilitating the welcome of new neighbors into the community, and creating a care network for the elderly, home bound, and those struggling with mental health issues. A few of the many honors Mary was bestowed include: Lovejoy District Citizen of the Year Award (2003), St. Joseph the Worker Award (2005), and The Federation of Catholic Schools Parent Volunteer of the Year (1991). From 1982-2003, Mary and her husband assisted their children in delivering The Buffalo News, allowing their children to finance their education. In a final act of generosity, Mary donated her body to UB's Anatomical Gift Program. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, November 8th at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 135 N. Ogden St, Buffalo, NY 14206. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Katharine Drexel Parish Social Justice Committee. Arrangements by PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME. www.Pietszak.com.

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Published by Buffalo News on Nov. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Riley

21 Entries

richard fontana

November 19, 2025

Mrs. Riley was the best neighbor we could ever ask for. May God bless her family and allow us to follow her teachings.

Dr Wilson and Staff

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Ron & Sue Nogaro

November 5, 2025

RIP Mary. Wonderful wife, mother and servant of our Lord. Prayers and sympathy to all family.

Candace Nicosia (Leli(

November 4, 2025

Mrs. Riley was the most beautiful soul. I loved her she was the best teacher ! She was the best part of kindergarten. She also was a special guest at D'Youville in 2014 where she gave the commencement speech to our graduating class. Very blessed to have known her.

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Janice Mclaughlin

November 4, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Nino Rizzo

November 4, 2025

My heartfelt condolences to the Riley family. May God be with you all. Mrs. Riley's Kindergarten created lasting memories and lifelong friendships. Thank you Mrs. Riley for always making the Lovejoy neighborhood a better place.

Amanda Hooper (Candella)

November 4, 2025

Sending my prayers and thoughts to her family. I was in her kindergarten class 32 years ago! Lots of fond memories!

Amanda Brucz (Leli)

November 4, 2025

Mrs. Riley was truly the best. She was the best kindergarten teacher. So nice and kind. She was always so nice abd kind. Years later she was there when I graduated with my master's from D'Youville. She came right up to my sister and me and was so happy and proud. She was truly the best and wanted the best for everyone. Thank you Mrs. Riley for everything.

The Riley family are in my thoughts snd prayers. Your mom was truly the best!

Brandon Brown

November 4, 2025

How do you say what so many other's have said without sounding repetitive? That just proves what a great and amazing woman she was.
During my time at St Agnes it wasn't always easy. Mrs. Riley was always there for a hug when I needed. When I seen her in the neighborhood she always greeted me with a smile and hello.
She was one of a kind and truly special.
To everyone that is hurting I hope they see all these amazing comments and stories and they find some relief in knowing that this beautiful lady shaped so many lives.. and helped so many people for the better..

Ed Wielinski

November 4, 2025

Saddened to hear about Mary. She was more than just a teacher, care giver..etc. she affected my family in every way, taught my 3 girls and assisted at weddings. Legend in the Lovejoy Community and St. Agnes!

Christopher Nogaro

November 3, 2025

Deeply saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary socially many years ago in East Lovejoy and at St. Katherine Drexel, as my grandmother, the late Flora Nogaro, was a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis/St. Katherine. One could quickly run out of superlatives when describing Mary’s character.
She exemplified what it means to be GOOD. She exuded an aura of love, compassion, kindness, gentleness and devotion to her family and community—she was a true servant of God.
I am honored and grateful to have known this lovely and empathetic human being.
Mary (and Bob!) will be lovingly remembered for many years to come. God bless you, Mary, you were very special to SO MANY people. May your soul rest in peace.

Paula Murphy

November 3, 2025

Such a kind,caring,selfless mother and teacher❤❤ A great loss for her children,grandchildren and community. Rest in peace Mary❤

Samantha W

November 3, 2025

She held me every morning for the first week of kindergarten because I would cry for my mom. I was just thinking about this the other day while I was dropping my child off to school and watched as her teacher also held her as she cried for me. She was such a kind woman, I was lucky to have such a great kindergarten teacher

Lisa Selover

November 3, 2025

Mrs Riley was one of the best people I knew. I went to school with her son Danny . She taught my sisters in Kindergarten. She was truly amazing person I´m glad I got the chance to know her.
To her children I am so sorry for your loss.

Katie Hale

November 2, 2025

Mrs. Riley was my kindergarten teacher years ago. She’s one of the teachers I smile when I think about. Her love and passion for educating children shines bright, even in my memories years and years later. May the compassion she gave to her family and to others live on in her memory always.

Matt and Theresa Hriczko

November 2, 2025

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Mary. She will be fondly remembered in our prayers and thoughts. It was always a pleasure working with her on school projects for the kids at St.Agnes.

Luke Cybulski

November 1, 2025

My sincere condolences to the Riley family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Riley was someone you could look up to, and lead by example.

Sister Ann Helene Koenig

November 1, 2025

It is difficult to put into words my feelings regarding the death of Mary Riley.

Mary touched my life in so many ways.

Mary’s association with St. Agnes Parish was lifelong.

Mary attended and graduated from St. Agnes Elementary School.

Mary was a dedicated member of the faculty at St. Agnes School for 18 years.

She served on the School Board for many years before taking the opportunity to teach Pre School and eventually, Kindergarten. Mary was a Trustee of St. Agnes Parish for many years. She participated in every fundraiser sponsored by the parish or school and was famous for her “Mary Riley rolls”.

During the one-half century, that I have known Mary, I have witnessed her dedication to her family, her church and her community and above all else: her dedication to God.

Mary lived her faith. She was hardworking, ethical, and prayer filled.

She influenced not only the lives of her own children but the lives of so many others that were entrusted to her care.

The community at large was better because of Mary Riley.

Please accept my prayers and condolences Michael, Mary Beth, Patrick, Daniel, Christopher, Charlie, Kathleen and Paul....it was a privilege to have known your mother, Mary, your father, Bob, and each one of you.

The Riley children will always have a special place in my prayers and in my heart.

Your parents and each one of you have touched my life forever.

Patti McClintic

November 1, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Riley’s passing. She was such an instrumental influence on my young three year old daughter in the early 1990s. As a Pre-K 3 teacher at St. Agnes, she had a wonderful way with small children. Her experience parenting her own kids obviously carried into her classroom. She was gentle, but firm with showing these tiny humans how to be students. Her smile was infectious and her maternal instincts made the kids feel safe and loved. As parents, we appreciated her so much. Our daughter, now 36, with three daughters of her own, went on to become a great student and we give a ton of credit to Mrs. Riley. May she rest easy after a long and productive life. ❤

Peggy Keyes

November 1, 2025

Mary was a blessing who touched so many people throughout her life. Thank you God for Mary...she will be forever in our hearts. May her children, grandchildren, and all who were loved by Mary and Bob, take comfort in the memories and love they shared.

The Keyes Family ❤

Michael Damico

November 1, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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