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David Riley Obituary
ALBANY - David Riley, raconteur and toastmaster extraordinaire, passed away suddenly at his residence in Albany. on January 4, 2024.
Born on August 11, 1948, in Bennington, Vt., Dave was the eldest son of William and Marion Graney Riley, formerly of Hoosick Falls and Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Dave was a graduate of Maple Hill High School and completed his formal education with a BA from SUNY Albany. He retired in 2007, after a long career in labor relations with the NYS Department of Corrections.
Dave's silver tongue and perfect comedic timing made him a sought after emcee at special events and gatherings of friends and family.
Dave also had a passion for music and film. His custom-made musical tapes complemented the ambiance perfectly at Justin McNeils on Lark St. in Albany during the club's heyday in the late '70s and '80s.
Dave's generosity was legendary. Friends and family will attest, it was not prudent to stick your hand between Dave and the dinner check or bar tab.
Dave was predeceased by his brother, Christopher; and parents; and is survived by brother, Mark; sister, Mary Beth Porter; and brother-in-law, Terence Porter, all of Dunedin, Fl. He is also survived by nephews, Brendan Porter of Dunedin and Derek Porter of Chicago.
Please think of Dave the next time you make a donation to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Riley
MB
August 11, 2025
today would have been your 77th birthday... always missed and remembered.
MB
January 4, 2025
One year has passed. Gone but never forgotten.
Joe Gioco
October 23, 2024
Just saw the news of Dave´s passing in U of Albany magazine. We were friends at SUNY and the at Justin´s until I moved to the city in the late 80´s. He was one really terrific person. My heart is heavy sad news hits hard.
Joe Gioco
Mary Beth
August 11, 2024
Today would have been your 76th birthday. Miss you David.
Samuel Butto
February 22, 2024
So sad to hear of Dave´s passing. I worked with Dave at DOCCS FROM 1997 to 2006 when I retired. As has been said, I too had Dave MC my retirement party because he was the best at it. I always told him if he wasn´t the best, he was one of the top 2. Dave made working in labor relations enjoyable and he was truly a great mentor. He was right there encouraging and directing me while doing work. He was the BEST!!!
Surely the heavens will be filled with abundant smiles and laughter now that Dave has arrived.
RIP Dave,
Sam Butto
Elaine Neiss
February 14, 2024
My husband Tom and I knew Dave from golf at WEstern Turnpike. Remember his as fun loving, a huge smile and always quick with a joke. RIP.
Mary Beth
January 26, 2024
Mary Beth
January 25, 2024
Mary Beth
January 25, 2024
Mary Beth
January 25, 2024
Mary Beth
January 25, 2024
MaryBeth
January 25, 2024
Brendan
January 21, 2024
RIP Uncle Dave. You always lit up the room from Castleton to Berwyn. I will miss your sense of humor and wittiness. Glad we were able to chat end of last year. I will cherish our conversation as well as memories of wonderful family holidays together.
Warren Winslow
January 16, 2024
Dave was a great guy. Loved his music compilations, intelligence, wit and story telling skills. He will be missed.
Mary Beth Porter
January 15, 2024
My dear David, I am still reeling from the shock and unexpectedness of your death. Although we lived quite different lives as adults and we had our political disagreements on occasion, we were and always will be siblings. I am grateful to learn about all the caring friends you had in your life. It brings me some comfort and peace. I hope you are reunited with Chris, Mom, and Dad, and filling them in on all that has occurred since their passings. I am sorry you will miss a Porter wedding. I know how much you were looking forward to that...You likely had your speech already prepared! I think only a wedding would have finally got you back on a plane! Rest in Peace dear David. You will be missed, loved, and always remembered.
Herb Moreland
January 15, 2024
I´ve always enjoyed our times together! Your wit and humor were second to none. RIP Dave you will be missed
Anthony Forfa
January 15, 2024
Lots of fun watching boxing matches. He did the pay to view.
Barbara Roark
January 15, 2024
I´m so very sorry to hear about Dave´s passing. I worked with Dave at DOC- Labor Relations from 2001 to 2004. He was a good friend and coworker. He will be missed by many.
Steve Keeler
January 15, 2024
A gentleman that his family, friends and the world in general, will sorely miss. Played more than a few rounds with Dave. Had some bad scores but never a bad time! I will always remember one of his famous catch phrases when asked if he wanted to do something..."hmm let me think about that...and immediately saying No!
K Kennedy
January 15, 2024
RIP Dave. You were indeed a very generous person. Enjoyed playing with you at Western Turnpike in the "Loop".
Ken Kennedy
Ellen Brady
January 15, 2024
My condolences for the death of David Riley; the brother of dear friends Mary Beth and Mark. Wishing you strength in this time of great sorrow.
Derek Porter
January 14, 2024
Rest in peace Uncle Dave, you will be missed. Thank you for your generosity and good humor. I will always look back fondly on our holidays together in Albany and Berwyn and will be thinking of you in our future gatherings
Pauline Dryden
January 14, 2024
I knew Dave in school at SUNY. His white BMW plates were 96 WJH, which he always explained stood for William Jennings Hooligan. The world lost a little light. Rest in peace, Dave.
Nancy Wawrla
January 13, 2024
I loved, that David lived downstairs, on Jay Street, in the 80´s. I laughed when he and Chuck Richardson cracked up at Saturday Night Live skits or when he excitedly had me come downstairs to see an act or comedian or just some spectacular thing he was recording. His music choices were devine. I have some of his mixed tapes. He was "Uncle David" to my daughter, Rebecca. Because of his license plate, "ECLECTIC", our teenage neighbor won the local portion of the National Spelling Bee.
I was supposed to have dinner with him, "soon"! RIP David.
Mike OBrien
January 13, 2024
Dave was a treasured friend of long standing. We worked together at The NYS Law Dept, and then again at Corrections. Well recognized for his frank opinions and quick draw quips, I also appreciated that Dave was an easy laugh himself, as he was a student of the craft of humor. His passion for music and especially cinema rubbed off on me. Condolences to the Family, with reassurances that he relished his role as Uncle Dave. I see him now motoring down the paths of eternity, pushing the limits of his Beloved Old Beemer, with his competition seatbelt, custom fenders and fairings .... R(ace) in Peace Old Pal
David Peter
January 13, 2024
Condolences to Mark and Mary Beth. David drove the first BMW I ever saw. He always reminded me of Peter Fonda.
Libby Stone
January 13, 2024
Marybeth and Mark, I am very sorry to hear about your brother Dave. My condolences to you both.
Joan Herrmann
January 13, 2024
Just heard about Dave's passing and I am very sad to hear the news. Dave was a friend and coworker and golfing buddy. We had a lot of good times together and he will be missed.
Don Suma
January 9, 2024
Dave , you were a great guy and one of the most generous people I have ever met .I was so lucky to know you . Thanks for the laughs and all the memories . Rip friend
Kathy & Michael Martin
January 9, 2024
RIP Dave , you will be missed by many members of the Guilderland Elks Lodge #2480
Michele Grinvalsky
January 7, 2024
Michele Grinvalsky
January 7, 2024
Dave was a very special friend to me. I have so many fond and funny memories with David. My heart is completely broken. He was my buddy and I will always remember and miss Dave. Your favorite response to messages was "Yuppers". I love you always Dave
Barbara Roark
January 7, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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