Dorothy Ann Riley

Dorothy Ann Riley, one of the kindest people you could ever meet, passed away on February 4, 2026, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. True to her stubborn spirit, she fought like a warrior until the very end. She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Dorothy’s story began in Brooklyn, New York, where she was born on April 27, 1942, to Alice and Bernard Senger. One of six children, she grew up on the “bluff” in Weehawken, New Jersey, overlooking the New York City skyline—a priceless view she cherished throughout her life. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Hoboken, where she formed lifelong friendships, and later graduated from Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross in Washington, D.C., in 1963.

It was at Dunbarton that Dorothy went on a blind date that would change everything, meeting Thomas F. Riley—the love of her life and her built-in best friend. They were married on February 20, 1965, and shared nearly 61 wonderful years together. They raised four children and eventually settled in Weehawken, right next door to the home where Dorothy grew up—a place they proudly called their own for 53 years. When the kids eventually flew the nest, Dorothy and Tom embraced their next chapter with enthusiasm, setting off on road trips across the country and a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the world. No matter the destination, they were always up for an adventure together.

Over the years, Dorothy wore many “hats”: schoolteacher, manager of the family business, Putnam Fuels, for 30 years, and volunteer extraordinaire. She gave generously of her time to countless organizations, most notably Palisades Medical Center, the Hudson Riverfront Performing Arts Center, and St. Augustine’s School. She loved staying busy and helping others. Even so, no matter how full her days were—from baking chocolate chip cookies for a bake sale to hosting a luncheon or assembling baskets for a tricky tray fundraiser—she always made time for her family.

She especially loved to “make the rounds” to her children’s homes, dropping off dinners, “tackling” projects she had already decided needed tackling, and simply being present. Give her any excuse to see her 13 grandchildren, and she was there—Halloween parades, school shows, graduations, sporting events, birthday parties—often arriving with party favors in hand. Her family is her greatest legacy, and it is through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that her spirit of kindness will continue to live on.

Dorothy lived her life by doing for others, and that generosity showed most in the way she brought people together. She had a special gift for creating a warm, fun-loving environment wherever she went. Just as she was the best mom, she was also a best friend. She loved spending time with friends—hosting July 4th parties, traveling on New Year’s trips with her beloved Bermuda crew, and enjoying countless lunches filled with laughter. That same warmth extended to her neighborhood, where Dorothy was always the first to welcome someone new and made sure everyone felt at home. Kingswood Road will never be the same without her. Dorothy truly had time for everyone, and when asked for help, “no” was rarely her answer. Often, you didn’t even have to ask—she somehow knew and would simply show up.

We will miss Dorothy—her smile, her giggle, her quick visits, her cookies, her hugs, and above all, her kindness. In her spirit, may we continue to show up for one another and carry that kindness forward.

Dorothy Ann Riley is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas F. Riley; her four children, Mary (Rick) Elliott, Ann (Tony) Schiavo, Thomas (Bethann) Riley, and Teresa (Kevin) McGoey; her 13 grandchildren—Ryan (Mary), Dylan, Sean, Grace, Colin, Tyler, Jack, Mark, Tommy, Jack, Emma, Peter, and Addison; her great-grandchild, James; her sisters, Mary Alice, Kathryn, and Regina; her sister-in-law, Maureen; and 24 nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Hudson Riverfront Performing Arts Center, Inc. as a tribute to Dorothy.

A visitation will be held at Leber Funeral Home, located at 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094, on February 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at St Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 22 Hackensack Ave, Weehawken Township, NJ 07086, on February 11, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

The committal service will follow at Hillside Cemetery Association, 742 Rutherford Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, on February 11, 2026, from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm.