Roberto Riley

Roberto Riley died on May 20, 2025. In his last days he enjoyed the presence of his youngest granddaughter, Zaphira; daughter, Connor; and brother, Ron, all of whom traveled many miles to be with him.

Over his 89 years, Roberto lived many lives. Born in San Jose, California, to Joan (Bratton) and Bob Riley, he moved repeatedly throughout California as his father opened and closed dry-cleaning businesses. His family eventually re-settled in San Jose, where he lived for most of his childhood. When he and his brother, Richard were young, Joan was left as a young, single mother raising two young children. She remarried Alan Mahugh, who raised Roberto and Richard as his own. Joan and Alan welcomed two more sons: Ron and Roger. The eldest of the four, Roberto lived in the limelight. Handsome, athletic, and intelligent, Roberto's brothers looked up to him immensely.

Roberto met his first wife, LaVerle, at San Jose State University, where he studied electrical engineering. They were married for several years, until Roberto had a sudden revelation, grew his hair long, and shook the foundations of their life together. Roberto kept his ponytail for most of his adult life, despite the challenges it contributed to.

After a successful start of a career as an engineer at Kaiser Aerospace, Roberto suddenly decided to pursue a degree in economics. After a short stint at Berkeley, he transferred to San Francisco State, where, during his final semester, student strikes caused the school to shut down.

Roberto eventually continued his education at UC San Diego, where he helped found Groundwork Books, a progressive student cooperative. There, he met SR Jones, his ex-wife and the mother of his daughter. Many of Roberto's favorite anecdotes took place at Groundwork. He loved to share the tale of hiding behind a couch to catch a habitual burglar, who turned out to be a police officer.

In 1989, Roberto and SR moved to her family's property in Nevada City, where they built a home. They welcomed their daughter, Connor, in 1992.

Roberto loved dancing, and spent many evenings at Crazy Horse Saloon, dancing away.

Roberto is survived by his daughter, Connor (Nathan); granddaughters, Anaya, Nahara, and Zaphira; brother, Ron (Mary); nieces, Suzanne, Katie, and Kelly; and nephew, Shawn. He is pre-deceased by his mother, Joan; father, Bob; stepfather, Alan; brothers, Richard and Roger; and several canine companions, including Terry I, Terry II, Willie Vanilli, and Wolfman Jack. He is missed every moment of every day.

Please join us for a Geezer Gig celebration in Roberto's honor on July 13 at 1849 Brewing Co. Bring your dancing shoes. Please RSVP to Connor: arcyjae@gmail.com.