Sean Austin Riley

Sean Austin Riley was born in Houston on June 6, 1975, and passed away November 25, 2024, at the age of 49. Sean is survived by his son, Achilleus Jacob Riley. He is survived by his parents, Judy Young and Ray Riley (Chelita). Also surviving are his sisters, Lori Riskin (Rich), Natasha Riley and Kelly Ruiz (Robert). His surviving cousins are David Evans, Cindy Morris, Paul Evans, Tim Evans, Sherri Patten, Terri Gray. He has one uncle, Frank Riley.

Sean grew up in Houston and attended public schools of Houston ISD. He then studied in Galveston County and in New Mexico, earning several associate degrees. He returned to Houston and enrolled in the University of St. Thomas, earning a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Sean had many interests, and he worked in the next few years in a variety of fields. He settled on teaching as his career and shortly after, he had his son, Achilles. Sean taught at public middle schools, and focused on raising his son after a divorce. During the pandemic of 2020-21, he studied and gained certification as a teacher of Special Education, in which he worked until Spring of 2024.

Sean was a deeply caring person. He was happiest when he was surrounded by nature and was very concerned about the condition of the environment. The turmoil in public education and the poor attention to students disturbed him. He deplored the hateful attitude of citizens and mankind in general. He often remarked the only way forward for humanity was to find love and connection with each other. These last few months, Sean felt that he was on a journey. He worked to overcome anger issues, and he ate sparingly, though he did make sure to enjoy a chai or a matcha latte daily. He turned to the study of philosophy and of religions, particularly Christianity and Buddhism.The Biblical account of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days interested him. Connecting with his spirituality, he sought help from Nature. He and Achilles spent many months camping in state parks and forests, and he felt a kinship in that activity. Like Henry David Thoreau, he wanted a simple life, sustained by the natural world. Remembering William Cullen Bryant’s poem, he wanted to lie down by the great tree and let the roots and the ground soak him up.

Sean, we will miss you, but we will continue as family and friends to fill in that empty space that you left. May you feel all the love we have for you, and may your spirit have a peaceful rest.

Friends will gather on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM, at Earthman-Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, 77401.

In lieu of ordinary memorials, Sean's family request memorial contributions be made to his son's, Achilleus Education Fund on gofundme, the link is below.