Kevin P. Riley

Kevin Patrick Riley, Newburyport MA passed away on August 4th after a year and a half battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his husband Ronald Senter, his partner for the past 18 years. They built an amazing life together and Ron was by his side for every step of this journey. Kevin was the son of the late Frederic and Patricia Riley and was the youngest of their 5 children. Other family members include sisters Carol Marr and her husband Bruce of Gloucester MA, Nancy Riley Whitehill of Salisbury, and brothers Jim Riley and his partner Heather Sinton of Rollinsford NH and Rick Riley and his wife Shari of North Reading MA. He is also survived by nieces Kelsey Marr, Taylor Whitehill and Noel Riley and nephews Brendan Marr and Patrick Riley. Also leaving behind Jill Hovan, his longtime partner at his store in Newburyport.
Kevin owned and operated two well loved stores - Partridge in a Bear Tree in Newburyport's Market Square for the past 23 years and a sister store by the same name on Pickering Wharf in Salem for the past 10 years. Kevin started the stores after a career in banking, inspired by the love he shared with his mother for all things Christmas. That special bond was visible in the passion Kevin brought to his stores and the impact he had on his fellow merchants. He innovated special events to support small businesses. At events like Invitation Night leading up to Christmas, he loved when customers talked about the store being a part of their holiday tradition. His stores were featured on TV and in print including Chronicle, Newburyport Magazine and the Newburyport Daily News.
Kevin had a passion for colorguard as both a participant and a long time instructor. He worked with several local high schools designing and teaching shows, most notably with Dover High School in New Hampshire. More recently he marched with the NE Pride Colorguard, a group that participated in many local parades and events spreading a message of joy and inclusiveness. Kevin valued colorguard as a family where he found support and acceptance at a young age, and continued to pay it forward as an adult. One former student recently shared a story of how she tried out for her high school team filled with doubt and lacking confidence and how special Kevin made her feel when he encouraged her to stick with it. Kevin was always rooting for the underdog.
Kevin understood from the day he received his diagnosis that he faced a difficult fight. He formed Team Riley to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research culminating in the PanCan Purplestride Walk in Boston this past spring. His team raised $47,000 with the help of many friends to support research, provide resources and show solidarity in the fight against this devastating disease. Through this fight, Kevin never lost his love of friends and family and his sense of humor never waivered. He was determined to make something good come out of his situation.
When Kevin was asked about how people should honor his memory he said this: donate to a charity you feel good about. Shop at local merchants - your support is so important to them. And love and support each other. If Kevin was in your life, you know how special his love was. We are grateful for the amazing care Kevin received from the many Doctors, Nurses and staff at Dana Farber, Beth Israel and Brigham and Women's over the past year and a half. We are particularly grateful for the care he received the past week at Kaplan Family Hospice. They gave us a window to say goodbye in a calm and compassionate setting.
Kevin requested that his arrangements remain private.
A Celebration of Life will be held later with information shared when available. It's going to be a party like he deserves and all will be welcome.