Riley was a very sweet man, he was kind to everyone and always had a smile on his face. Being able to experience being his friend was the greatest gift. He will forever be deeply missed💙.

Riley loved Unsubscribe Podcast and Rich was a part of that. We went with Riley to see them live. He always sat and showed us their videos.

On this day, my now-husband and I took Riley to the Buffalo Zoo. I can still clearly remember the way my heart melted as he spoke with such excitement and wonder while we passed each animal. I don’t think I realized it at the time, but that day was my introduction to the curious and innocent mind of a little boy. I know we will hold that memory and feeling he gave us for years to come.

Although it has been 15 years or so since I have seen Riley, I will always remember the handful of times I was blessed to share in the company of this carefree, funny, and sweet little boy, who so clearly brought joy not only to me, but to so many others. 
My family and I wish Cara, Jon, Kayli and all of Rileys family and friends comfort at this most difficult time.

It was a privilege to have known Riley and to have been one of Riley's teachers. Riley always brought true interest and a great sense of humor with him in our various interactions at school. Always being so positive and excited to discuss the various topics in science class, as well as our many tangential conversations about what was going on in the world, always made for a great time.

Anyone who had to pleasure of getting to know Riley knew he was a great human being and he will truly be missed!

He was such an innocent boy!  We will never understand how it came to be like this, but he will always be a part of our lives even if he left us too soon. 😢.  Too soon.  

Craig & Noemi

It is difficult to put into words the loss of someone so young, so bright, and so full of promise. To say I was completely crushed when I heard the news would be putting it lightly.  Riley was a young man who genuinely loved learning — especially when it came to history and reading.  While some students simply cared about finding the right answers, he was more interested in the ideas and conversations they sparked. 

Riley questioned thoughtfully, listened carefully, and challenged others with respect and curiosity.  In the classroom, he brought energy, insight, and a quiet confidence that encouraged others to think more deeply.  

To go along with his love of learning was his love of teaching others.  To this day, I still have a diagram of the Assassination of JFK that Riley drew on my dry erase board 3 years ago when he was teaching me and his peers about Lee Harvey Oswalt, the umbrella man, and the second shooter off in the bushes.

Teaching him was a privilege, and knowing him was a joy. His intellect, kindness, and love of ideas left a lasting mark, and he will be remembered not only for how smart he was, but for how he made learning feel alive.

He is deeply missed, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know him.

NO WORDS OF SYMPATHY CAN CONVEY OUR HEARTS TO YOU ,
SO PLEASE SIMPLY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES!
I’M SO SORRY JOHN , MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME !
RUBINA  (HEAP)

Riley loved space! He had a spotting scope too.

its just his voice, but he was one of the funniest people i ever knew. he never treated me different because of who i am, who i love, and what my gender identity is. he was the greatest friend i could have asked for.

I vividly remember meeting Riley the summer before his 7th grade year and being so impressed with his intelligence. Over the next six years, I learned that his smarts were only a small part of what made him so special - he was discerning, witty, thoughtful, and hilariously funny.  Riley always stood out as a  role model to other students and he made a mark on our school with his steady presence with his peers and our staff, valuable contributions to learning and personal growth, and by following a path he set for himself as a young man.  I recall several conversations where he showed a knowledge and wisdom about people and the world that went far beyond his years - I will cherish those memories.  Love to all of those who loved Riley, we will certainly not forget him at the Falk School.

To the Engasser family and all of Riley's friends,

Riley was a wonderful student who I will always remember for his gentle nature and subtle way of communicating the humor he found in both his observations of the world and his interactions with it. He was a hard worker who excelled in guitar class and was a joy to teach.

Greg Barresi

Mr. Canney and I had Riley in a class every year that he was in high school, and I fondly remember him as the funniest, and most intelligent in the room. Even if he was struggling, he always managed to make me laugh at his sarcastic sense of humor. He brought so much to the lives of all the staff and students at Rossler, and I was honored to have known him for as long as I did.

Riley, Kay, Cara, Jon, and Margaret were the best neighbors ever back on sunny St. Thomas. I enjoyed your enthusiasm, sarcasm, and most of all, your kindness. I wish we could go back and relive that time again.  
Riley, my cherished memory of you is when I was asked if I could bring you and Kay down to Hooters. You  were my Rileymatic transmission. All I had to do was call out the gear after footing the clutch and you never missed. You’re missed kid. You’re missed beyond all comprehension.  May peace find you.

You were one of my best and closest friends, and I thank you so much , it hurts me that's you are gone, and you will be missed, I see it that Friday January 30th, you will bring me my first birthday I will never forget and I thank you for it, love you bro, R.I.P



JASON NICHOLS JR

Andre Ethan and Riley in the back of a golf cart water island fun.

I remember when we met Riley, Kayli, Jon, and Cara, and the grand mothers. Such a great family.  They had just came to live in ST. Thomas, USVI. We had some good times. The kids  were young then. Will always remember the fun we all had together. My granddaughter, Riley, and Kay had some great times. 💔💔 Taylor Wilmore, Susan Dryden.

OBITUARY

Riley F. Engasser

November 3, 2006 – January 20, 2026

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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