Michael John Riley, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home on April 18 with his wife and nephew by his side, following a long battle with cancer. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky and attended Flaget High School. He joined the Louisville Fire Department at the age of 17, following in his father's footsteps. Retiring as a Captain, he relocated to Burlington, Vermont, where he continued to serve in the Burlington Fire Department. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in Vietnam. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Catherine Riley and his maternal grandmother, Mawmaw Kline. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Vicky, and six siblings: James Riley, Jean Sturdiant, Jan Canada, Stephen Riley, Tom Riley, and Sean Riley. He was blessed to know the company of remarkable friends, including Hugh Boone, Louis Gayhafer, Jim Morrow, and the folks from the roundtable. He was a man of great faith, with a taste for adventure, and a devoted grandson, son, husband, uncle, and friend. No funeral service will be held, and Michael's ashes will be returned to his ancestral homeland of Ireland as soon as circumstances permit, in keeping with his final wishes. At a later date, his family and friends will meet Michael at the Corner.
