Donovan P. Riley

Mason

Donovan Patrick Riley, age 70, of Mason, MI, passed away January 17, at Sparrow Hospital, following a sudden illness.

Born August 27, 1940, in Morgantown, West Virginia to Donovan and Dorothy Jane (Rogers) Riley, Don graduated from Washington Lee High School in Arlington, VA. Following his graduation in 1958, he joined the United States Army. During his time in the Army and the Army Reserves, he earned, among other accolades, the 1961 Individual Rifle Championship Award.

Don then worked for the Federal Government and later as a Computer Programmer in what was then a fledgling industry. He proceeded to earn degrees from Miami Dade Community College and Florida International University, allowing him to begin his long career as an educator. After teaching in FL for three years, he moved to MI in l978.

Don is fondly remembered for his 22 years teaching Earth Science in the Mason Middle School. During this time, he also earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University in 1985. His dedication to education allowed him to touch the lives of thousands of students over the years. “Mr. Riley” loved teaching, and brought enthusiasm and dedication into his classroom every day for more than two decades.

After his retirement in 2000, he dedicated his time to many causes, foremost of which was the DALMAC Bicycle event. Over the course of 15 years Don went from riding in the event to being one of the organizers of the yearly cross-state ride. His tireless efforts in support of this event and the Tri-County Bicycle Association will be missed by all of those fortunate enough to have served with him.

He is survived by Suzanne (Mills) Riley. They married in 1978 and have remained devoted to one another ever since. Other survivors include his two sisters Rebecca (Elmer) Purcell and Allene (Fritz) Kussin, both currently residing in Concord, MA. His nephews are Joshua and John Froehlich of New York City, and Dr. Charles Norman II, his wife Crescent, and their children Jacqueline and Charles III, of Owosso, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donovan Riley and Jane Corkery, and his nephew Peter Froehlich. In addition, he is preceded by Richard and Clarice Mills, (his in-laws and dear friends), and their daughter Keitha (Mills) Norman.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 24, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church of Mason, 131 E. Maple Street, Mason, MI 48854 with the Rev. Bill Pinches officiating. Interment immediately following in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Breckenridge, MI. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI from 6-8 PM Saturday and 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Richard Mills Scholarship Fund, c/o First Presbyterian Church of Mason, 131 E. Maple Street, Mason, MI 48854 or, the Tri-County Bicycle Association, PO Box 22146, Lansing, MI 48909.

On-line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimanmason.com