Randy Joseph Riley

As the baby of the family, Randy endured relentless “torture” from his older siblings, Kevin, Annette, and Mark, but also returned the favor. Despite (or perhaps because of) this chaos, Randy remained close to his siblings. Growing up as country kids, they ran through fields, biked, played basketball, and found endless ways to entertain (and annoy) each other. That closeness continued into adulthood. In his final weeks, Randy spent a weekend in New York City with Mark and celebrated Christmas with Kevin and Annette.

Randy married Lori Cunningham on August 27, 1988, in Hubbardston, Michigan. Randy and Lori were a sporty, spirited pair who could talk University of Michigan athletics for hours and were famously stressful to watch games with. They ran races, dominated opponents on the tennis court, and pushed their kids around town in a jogging stroller. Together, they shared a deep generosity and kindness, opening their home as a place for friends to live, gather, and belong, and advocating passionately for human rights and progressive politics.

Randy and Lori raised two children, Sam and Madeline, who were the center of Randy’s world. He was happiest when he was with his kids and showed up for them in every way imaginable. He coached soccer and softball teams, cheered loudly from the sidelines, built elaborate snow and leaf forts, and seized every opportunity to spend time together. He explored New York, London, Washington, DC, and the Eastern Shore with them, always eager for the next shared experience. His unwavering presence and devotion once led one of Madeline’s college friends to declare she was “too loved.”

When Randy loved something, he loved it fully. He was a lifelong Michigan sports enthusiast, especially devoted to Michigan football and the Detroit Lions. As a child, he watched the Lions lose and cried. And as an adult, he continued to complain (right up until his final days) that they always broke his heart. He was also a music fanatic, a devoted book lover, and a lifelong dog person – rarely happier than when he was sharing a playlist for any occasion, buying books for loved ones, or spending time with his favorite person (the family dog, Louis). Following in his father Leonard’s footsteps, Randy loved being outdoors. He fished for trout each year on the Au Sable River and treasured fishing and hiking trips with his brothers and friends. He was also a longtime runner and cyclist and simply someone who loved being active.

Randy was equally passionate about his work. A graduate of Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan, where he received his Master’s of Information and Library Studies, he began his career at the Library of Michigan in 1989. Over his 36 year career, he served in a series of influential roles, including librarian, head of special collections, and MeL coordinator, before becoming Michigan State Librarian in 2014. His work strengthened libraries across the state and supported countless library professionals, students, and community members. Colleagues remember him as friendly; generous with his time; known for his infectious humor, laugh, and smile; and a passionate champion for literacy, access, and the vital role libraries play in public life.

Those who knew Randy best recognized his deep kindness as a defining trait. He loved fiercely and showed it constantly, by asking twenty questions about your day, driving hours just to share a meal or see a show, sending gifts simply because you crossed his mind, or finding other ways to show he cared. He was known for his gap-toothed smile, which he proudly engineered by wedging toothpicks between his front teeth because it “looked cool” and made him resemble his brother Kevin.

Randy Riley lived with integrity, passion, humor, and profound love for the people and communities around him. His impact as a husband, father, brother, son, friend, and public servant was immense, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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He is survived by his wife, Lori; son, Samuel Riley (Molly Tompkins and her son, Skylar Tompkins); daughter, Madeline Riley; mother, Camilla (Truesdell) Hogan; siblings Kevin Riley (Pam Allard), Annette Riley, Mark Riley (Char Hutton), Rick Cunningham (Barbara Sharkey), Mike Cunningham, Tim Cunningham (Shannon Mertz), Julie Cunningham, Denny Cunningham, and Bill Cunningham; and nieces and nephews Jennifer Churchill, Aaron Churchill, Rhandi (Riley) Nelson, Blake Riley, Maggie Riley, Owen Riley, Bailey Cunningham, Collin Cunningham, Ellie (Cunningham) Sanzica, Devin Cunningham, Adrienne (Cunningham) Bondy, Erin Ryan, Emily (Ryan) Bloszinsky, and Kevin Ryan; and his dog Louis.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Riley, whose influence profoundly shaped Randy’s passions and character.

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A memorial service for Randy will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Michigan Library and Historical Center Forum, 702 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, with a small reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Library of Michigan Foundation or Anglers of the Au Sable, reflecting his lifelong commitment to libraries and his love of the outdoors.