Michael Gillespie Riley

Michael Gillespie Riley (AKA: Riles, Big Mike, Moose or Double Dew) passed away at the age of 86 years, peacefully and in the loving company of family and close friends. He passed away on June 3rd,2024 in Charlestown, Maryland as he looked over his mighty Chesapeake Bay.

Mike was born on September 19th, 1937, in Havre De Grace, Maryland to Wilmer and Dorthy Riley. He was raised in “these parts” of the Chesapeake Bay with fond memories of swimming from shore-to-shore as a young boy and continued to enjoy summers with this community of friends that carried him through his last few months. A true blessing that he was associated with such a wonderful group of people.

Mike attended Aberdeen High School, Bullis Prep, the University of Virginia and graduated from Towson University. His first job out of college was teaching high school English where he honed his talent to grammatically correct your every word in mid-sentence. His keen ability to communicate and relate to people was incredible. As a businessperson, Mike excelled. He worked with many of the finest leaders in the communities he served. His career spanned multiple industries and included education, entertainment, technology, and real estate.

One of his favorite places to spend time was Fairlawn Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Mike was a member of FCC for decades until he changed his residence to Maryland in 2018. He was a staple at the club and one could usually find him in the back room holding “court”. He could always break the silence with a great joke that would give you a smile and if that didn’t work, a hug that could crush a bear. To know Mike was to know a true friend. He served the club as President in 1994, held numerous appointed positions and was a transformational leader during his years of service. He was loved by both membership and staff. A true man of timber amongst the Acorns of FCC.

Towards the end, he had peace. When he wasn’t cheering on the Baltimore Orioles, he was checking the tide charts and trying to convince us all that there were big fish just hundreds of yards off the shore of the backyard.

Mike’s gifts to this life were plentiful: a family man, a true gentleman, and a loyal friend. These are the impressions that Mike has left on us and we will carry them forward forever.

Mike is predeceased by the love of his life, Carolyn L Riley (2018). They married in 1961 on December 26th, and forever. If you knew them together, you were a lucky soul to witness an example of true love and friendship.

He is survived by his loving family, eldest son Michael P. Riley (Betsy), grandchildren Megan and Sarah, son Patrick R. Riley (Sherri), sister Marjorie Morani and the dearest of family friends: Teresa Kormanik and Robert Rinehart.

The family plans to schedule a Celebration of Life in both Akron, Ohio and Charlestown, Maryland. Dates to follow.