Denis Riley

Denis Riley, 52, the father of Andrea Sweeney Riley and son of the late Larry and Peg Sweeney Riley, died Thursday October 19, 2006 at his home in Bloomfield. Born in Hartford, Denis was a life long resident of Bloomfield. He was a 1973 graduate of Bloomfield High School. Denis's life revolved around his daughter and family. A good friend to many, he enjoyed good company, laughter, music and dancing, and a great round of pool. He lived his life to the fullest yet found time to write poetry in his search for a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world. He found solace in his Celtic heritage and often wore his tweed cap and Irish sweater as an actual and spiritual comfort. An avid sports fan, he also played many, including skiing, soccer, hockey and baseball. Central to his life was his daughter Andrea, to whom he was devoted and loved beyond measure. Besides his daughter and her mother Theresa Mahoney, he is survived by his brothers and sisters; Bill and Sarah Riley of Bloomfield; Maggie Riley of Atlanta, GA; Lauren and Mick Roy of North Yarmouth, ME, and Mike and Gail Riley of Bloomfield. Denis was predeceased by his sister Mary Riley Emswiler and is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Emswiler and his wife MaryAnn of Hamden. Denis was loved by his nieces and nephews, Maura Riley and Dan Riley, and his wife Melissa and their children Brian and Liam; Patrick, Gregory and Kate Emswiler; Brianna, Kayla and Julia Roy and Brendan, Taylor, Danielle and Colleen Riley. He also leaves his aunts, Marguerite A. Riley of Bloomfield and Irene Tierney Riley of West Hartford. Friends are invited to join Denis? family at the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday Oct. 23 at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Parish Church of Bloomfield, 26 Wintonbury Ave. Bloomfield. Burial of his ashes will be in Mountain View Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. The Riley family request donations in his memory be made to the Andrea S. Riley Scholarship Fund, William L. Riley, Trustee, c/o Riley Lumber, 6 Mountain Ave. Bloomfield, CT 06002 or The Cove Center for Grieving Children, 134 State St., Meridan, CT 06450.