David W. Riley

David W. Riley, born September 26,1946, passed away unexpectedly early in the morning on June 27, 2025.

David was born in Beverly MA but also spent time living with his military family in Sacramento, San Antonio, and Japan. He graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 1964. He attended Salem State College where he earned a BA in Jr. High School English and a MA in Secondary Administration. David was a lifelong educator starting his career at Kennett Jr. High in Conway, NH, then at Triton Regional Middle and High School in Byfield, MA where he taught middle school History and English, served as the High School Assistant Principal, then served as the High School Principal until his retirement. After retirement, David worked as an auxiliary police officer for the town of Merrimac, MA. David was a member of the Merrimac Playground Commission and the Merrimac Lions Club. As an avid motorcyclist, David and Gail taught a class in Accident Scene Management for Motorcyclists. David was an honorary member of the North Shore Chapter of Women on Wheels.

David loved to travel with his wife and family and rode many miles on his motorcycle through the continental US and Canada. The New England coast, ocean, and its tributaries were his favorite places to be and he loved exploring it on his boat, stopping for fried clams whenever possible. He instilled a passion for downhill skiing in his family and they would spend many winter days at ski areas in New England and Quebec. David was a passionate fan of all Boston sports teams, but none more so than the Red Sox. He had a significant sports memorabilia collection, including cards, autographs, and any unusual trinkets he could find. David loved History and found so much joy learning about anything that had historical value or that had an interesting story.

David was a kind and gentle man who loved his family with all his heart. Without question he was so proud of, and had so much love for his wife Gail, his two children Shawna and Brian, and his two grandchildren Cameron and Jacob.

David is predeceased by his parents David W. Riley and Dorothy M. Riley of Beverly, MA, brother R. Scott Riley, brother Michael Riley, sister in law Joanne Schroeder, and brother in law Bud Reagan. David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail Riley, daughter Shawna Riley Fatigate and son in law Greg Fatigate, his son Brian Riley and partner Daniell Hepting, grandchildren Jacob and Cameron Riley, sister Donna (Riley) Reagan, brother Christopher Riley and wife Linda (Picariello) Riley, brother Sean Riley and wife Robin Drover-Riley sister in law Phylis O’Connor, sister in law Judy (Pietrini) Riley, many nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and his beloved cat Sebastian.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday July 18, 2025 at the Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: MSPCA Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem, MA and Triton Middle/High School will be forthcoming.

“Donations can be made to the MSPCA Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem, MA or to the David Riley Memorial Scholarship Fund at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/scholarship-fund-in-memory-of-david-w-riley?lid=m4ncx8l9r254&utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=t_email-co_welcome-0221-us&