Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Steve Riley Obituary
How do I sum up the life of the most kind and beautiful man I've ever known?
It's likely impossible.
In this space it seems I am to record Steve's accomplishments. His greatest accomplishments exist in the unconditional love he showed his friends and family and in the many kindnesses and joy he showered on them. They lie in the gentle and supportive way he taught and coached his students at Blackhawk Middle School and Snider High School, and in how he helped every neighbor without hesitation. They live on in how he urged his golf buddies to take their eyes off the ball to look at a leaf or a bird or a sky. And in how he made every person with whom he came into contact feel better about themselves. They'll resonate forever in a 41-year marriage where he made me feel beautiful, respected, and loved every single day. In the words of Tim McGraw, Steve was a friend a friend would like to have.
How do I sum up the life of the most happy and creative man I've ever known?
The words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney come close:
"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to
the love you make."
Steve graduated from Northrop High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Saint Francis and a Master's Degree in Administration from Indiana University. Surviving are his wife, Audrey; his niece who is like a daughter, Alexandra Riley; sisters Terri (Dan) Stemen, and Julie (Kevin) Burns; and brother, Scott (Robin) Riley. Also surviving are his other wonderful and beloved nephews and niece, Anthony (Jamie) Paino, Andrew (Erin) Paino, Maggie (Ty Schrock) Paino, Riley Lenaway and Ethan Lenaway. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Sharon Riley.
A Celebration of Life is 1 PM, May 21, 2024 at Sycamore Hills Golf Club, 11836 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne with calling two hours prior.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Audrey and Steve Riley Scholarship at the University of Saint Francis, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 or to the Evans Scholars Foundation c/o Sycamore Hills Golf Club, 11836 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Riley family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve Riley
Karin Thomsen
May 21, 2024
Steve was truly one of the most genuine people I have ever met in my life. He left an impact on me in middle school, when he could ALWAYS get us out of trouble with Mr. Miller (because the teachers all LOVED him)! Then high school became a part of our growth, and this time he left an impact because of the incredible conversations we had with teachers...especially Mr. Walleen. He always knew how to connect with his peers and his teachers, which is maybe why he and I BOTH became teachers! We always loved the connection and it sounds like he was simply the BEST teacher and coach a student could find.
As adults, we went our different ways, but always knew we were just a text away if there was something to share or express. I'll never forget that he was one of the first people to reach out to me after my mom passed away. He just truly cared about friends, and of course family. Our last few visits together were meeting up at our high school reunion. I remember one of those nights when his buddies were trying to get him to come out the night before. He was settled in for the night, but somehow I was able to convince him to show up. Everyone was so happy to see him. That is what is so hard to accept...that I don't get to feel that middle school/high school giddy joy of watching Steve walk through the door at our next reunion. I will definitely be raising a glass to him, and I am sure the "Steve stories" will be the highlight of the evening. Rest in peace my dear friend, but keep an eye on us...we need your sense of humor and gentle spirit guiding us more than ever.
Jim-Barb Lambert
May 20, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers, condolences and sympathies to the Riley family and friends.
Douglas Williams
May 19, 2024
Audrey, Scott and family,
What a loss for all of you! As his parents whom I will always consider two of the finest people I've ever known, Steve was so full of life and one who engaged everyone with warmth and support. I cannot imagine the depth of your grief to have lost such a man. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Anthony Lockhart
May 17, 2024
Never met you but knew your dad and it seems you were a class act as your dad was.
Nancy Fricker-Arebalo
May 13, 2024
So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. He was a brother-in-law, uncle and friend that will forever be remembered and missed. Sending you my sincere condolences.
Fred Soule
May 11, 2024
So sorry for this loss of the Riley family and friends. Dave, Sharon, Scott, and Steve, as well as all the family always treated me in such a loving and truly accepting way over the years. Steve had such a warm and outgoing personality and smile that always made me feel welcome and appreciated. Praying for God's comfort for you all.
Jeff White
May 10, 2024
I always had tremendous admiration and respect for Steve. He was a tremendous husband, a wonderful brother, and an exceptional person. My thoughts are with Audrey and the entire Riley family.
Jeff White
Friend
Tim Matthias
May 8, 2024
Our condolences to the Riley family. Steve was such an important part of Blackhawk Middle School in his early years in education. He was a wonderful teacher, coach and colleague of his fellow Eagles!
Roger Mitchell
May 6, 2024
Very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Always with a smile and a kind word, just like his parents.
Roger Mitçhell and Bev Dowling
Deb Jennings (Fox)
May 6, 2024
I lived down a few houses down from the Rileys and their house was one of the hang outs. Had a great time with all the kids on E Camden. I'm sorry for Steve's passing. God's Blessings for peace and strength to the family and friends
Rhonda Heim
May 6, 2024
I have such great memories of growing up just down the street from the Riley´s and how funny Steve was in the 5th and 6th grade!! He made us all laugh teachers included!! Terri , Scott and Julie so sorry for your loss. Rhonda Heim
Michael Meehan
May 6, 2024
Riles is going to be missed. He always had a kind word and smile on his face.
Scott, I am so sorry for your of your brother.
Audrey, I hope you kind find peace knowing that he is not in pain any more and that his spirit is always with you.
Fairways and Green Riles!! God Speed
Mary and Michael Meehan
Gregg Taylor
May 6, 2024
What a ride we had while coaching against each other! Those late night , lengthy conversations about opponents, strategies, etc. are great memories for me. Karen and I still laugh about some of those conversations. You had a sense of humor like none other. And no, I have still not taken up golf. Rest in peace in the joyful reunion with your mom and dad.
Mike Johnson
May 6, 2024
Sorry to see Steve get to see Dave an Sharon ahead of me - Jesus has Steve showing Dave how to shoot that free throw and make that putt -
Love the Riley´s
Kevin Tubbs
May 5, 2024
Audrey, I am so sorry to hear about Steve passing. Terri, Scott and Julie my heart goes out to you. Steve was such a kind and loving person. I spent some of my best days in younger years with Steve. God be with you.
Sam Till Jr
May 4, 2024
Riles my friend, RIP.
Scott, my deep sympathy on the loss of your bother. We all shared great Times together.
Audrey, so sorry for your loss. All the best going forward and we pray for you now.
Sam Till Jr.
Jim Till
May 4, 2024
So sorry to hear about Steve. We played lots of golf together when we were younger, high school and college. To the whole Riley family so sorry for your loss.
Jim Till
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Steve Riley's name
Memorial Events
for Steve Riley
May
21
Funeral services provided by:
D. O. McComb and Sons - Pine Valley1320 East Dupont Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825
How to support Steve's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Steve Riley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
