Dear Colleen and the O’Neil family-
Here’s a photo of some SUD buds skating downtown during grad school. Riley’s friendship meant a lot to me. I’ll do my best to implement the ideals he stood for in my daily work. With love,
Gabby

I met Riley through the SUD program at DePaul. Together with some friends/classmates, we attended the a conference in Asheville. One day we wanted to go for a hike, so we drove on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway—which was beautiful but also a super winding cliff side road. I was driving, and long legs Riley was in the front seat, and I just remember him being such a supportive navigator during a somewhat terrifying drive. We later went on a beautiful hike, and got totally lost on the way back. But when you were with Riley, it was hard to be in a bad mood. Will miss you so much, buddy.

I knew Riley all four years at Lane. From freshman English to Varsity lacrosse. Riley was a person who could've done anything with his life and he chose to live a life of service. He was a person who I had the utmost respect for and even admired. I remember he had a quote on his Facebook page to "respect all, fear none". Well as his lacrosse teammate I can say he said what he meant and meant what he said. I can't believe he's gone but I'm grateful for the time I had with him. He will be missed.

- Jeremy Olvera

I met Riley when he was still a grad student at DePaul. I attended a couple of seminars & round-tables, at which he presented. As I recall, Riley was keenly interested in regulations around newly-emerging dockless bike share systems & how these systems – and the regulations that govern them – might affect commute trips & times, sustainability & urban design. He was smart, enthusiastic, & extraordinarily good at listening, learning, & helping others understand complex ideas, data, & data analyses. He was passionate, & he was also noticeably gracious, gentle, patient, & kind in his interactions – both verbal & gestural. He always seemed happy, calm, & in good spirits – even in the middle of a heated debate.
I remember – I think it was 3 or 4 years ago – riding home on the lakefront trail with my spouse one evening after work. As we rode north, I thought I saw Riley up ahead. I sped up.  As soon as I determined it was Riley (which wasn’t hard, given his size & bright orange helmet), I was super happy & excited – to see Riley & say “hi”, to have the chance to ride together on a beautiful evening, beside our lovely lake, talk informally, & – best of all -- to introduce him to my wife, Janet. I knew she would immediately like Riley, totally “get” his gentle, sweet, happy vibe.  And it was perfect because we were all doing what we loved – riding our bikes, pedaling home, outside, after a good, honest day of good work!  We chit-chatted & joked – maybe talked a little “shop” – as we rode along. My wife had a Wu-Tang Clan song playing on her speaker. Riley said he really liked the song.  Later, at Ardmore, after we said goodbye & Riley peeled off north to Rogers Park, Janet laughed & said she realized that the song was a retro vibe for Riley, since he was so much younger than us.  We both smiled & simultaneously said, “He’s such a good guy.”  Riley was a good guy – a mensch -- & much too young to have been taken from us. We will always remember & love Riley.

OBITUARY

Riley Lincoln O'Neil

November 3, 1990 – June 5, 2026

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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