Riley Smith Richards

With hearts full of love, we remember Riley Smith Richards, 15, of Crestwood, Kentucky, who passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, on March 11, 2010, Riley filled our days with kindness, humor, and quiet strength.

Riley was a loyal brother and a devoted son. Protective of his younger brothers and deeply connected to his family, he had a gift for noticing the needs of others and stepping in to help.

As a student at South Oldham High School, Riley was preparing to begin his sophomore year and proudly ran on the cross country and track teams. His love for every living creature shaped much of who he was—his compassion led him to a dedicated vegan lifestyle, and his gentle spirit extended to animals and people alike.

Riley’s personality shone in the details. Exceptionally organized and stylish, he had a keen eye for fashion and never left the house without the perfect sneakers to complete his outfit. He loved baking for his family, especially birthday cakes, pies, and his delicious apple fritters. From an early age, Riley was fascinated by fast, fancy cars and superheroes–especially Batman. Creative and endlessly curious, he could spend hours sketching, admiring architecture, or carefully building intricate Lego sets. Riley loved traveling to new places and finding beauty in the world around him. Some of his happiest memories were made while playing on the beaches of Hawaii and hiking the trails of Arizona with his mom. Most of all, Riley loved the simple joy of playing with his brothers and his dog, Kona.

Riley is deeply loved and will be missed every day by his mother, Brooke Richards; his brothers, Malakai Pisacreta, Ayden Smith, Dylan Richards, and Harrison Richards Uhl; his grandparents, Larry and Kathy Ward, and Frank and Tracy Richards; his uncles, Frank Richards IV (Teresa), Matthew Richards (Liza), and Todd Richards (Emily); his aunt, Emma (Tyler); and his many cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

A celebration of Riley’s life will be held at Duncan Memorial Chapel, 5600 Old Floydsburg Rd, Crestwood, KY, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at noon, with burial to follow at Floydsburg Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel.

In honor of Riley’s love of style, guests are invited to wear an elevated outfit he would have admired—complete with the perfect pair of sneakers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Riley’s memory to the animal welfare organization of your choice.