Riley Hils DeRoy

In Loving Memory of Riley Hils DeRoy May 3, 2004 – May 13, 2025
It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Riley Hils DeRoy, age 21, on May 13, 2025. Born on May 3, 2004, in Meriden, Connecticut, Riley was the beloved daughter of Pamela DeRoy and the late Kerry Hils.
A 2022 graduate of Cromwell High School, Riley was a beautiful, intelligent, and incredibly funny young woman with a deep compassion for animals and a fierce loyalty to those she loved. Her warmth, wit, and protective spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Riley shared an extraordinary bond with her father, Kerry. The two proudly called themselves "best friends," and their connection was unbreakable. His passing from cancer when Riley was just 12 years old profoundly impacted her life. From that moment, her path became one of both immense love and deep pain.
Riley struggled with mental health challenges in the years that followed, and like so many, turned to substances in an effort to ease her suffering. Despite the battles she faced, Riley never gave up hope. In recent years, she fought with incredible courage to heal, seeking help and working tirelessly toward recovery. She often said, "I just want to wake up and feel normal." She was awaiting final approval to enter a specialized treatment program in California-a place where she believed she could finally begin to rebuild her life. Tragically, Riley passed away from an accidental overdose before that next chapter could begin.
While our grief is immeasurable, we find comfort in knowing that Riley is no longer burdened by the pain she carried for so long. We believe with all our hearts that she is now reunited with her beloved dad, wrapped in his arms once again and will be safe and loved for all eternity.
Rest peacefully, our sweet Riley. You were so deeply loved. The fight is over now-may your spirit soar free. Fly high, Ri-Ri! You will forever remain in our hearts.
In addition to her mother Pam and step-father, Robert Corazzini, Riley is also survived by her sister, Samantha Hils DeLaFuente, her husband Michael, and adored nephew, Cooper DeLaFuente. Her sister Kendall Hils and her partner Mike Hebert. Her grandmothers, Marian DeRoy and Mary Jane Wasilewski DeRoy. Her beloved uncle Michael DeRoy. Her step- siblings Alec(Emily) Corazzini and Olivia Corazzini(Ryan Thayer) and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by her very special and best friend, Mikey Drazak.
In addition to her father, she is also predeceased by her maternal grandfathers William DeRoy and Mike Hazard, her paternal grandparents Joseph Hils and Eugenia Rucker, her aunt Lynne DeRoy, aunt Mary Varicchio and uncle Stephen Hils.
Riley's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday May 21, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00pm at the Wallingford Funeral Home 809 N. Main St. Ext. Wallingford. A celebration of her life will commence at 7:00pm in the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Marcie's Angels Cat Café and Animal Rescue at www.marciesangelscatcafe.com that was very dear to her heart.