Obituary of Thomas G. Riley

THOMAS G. RILEY OBITUARY Thomas G. Riley, retired FDNY Captain, age 64, a devoted, father, son, brother, and partner, passed away suddenly on November 26, 2023. Thomas was born on September 4, 1959, in Brooklyn, NY to Robert and Annmarie “Nancy” Riley (nee Sullivan) to a large loving family. His upbringing included the company of brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and Eltingville neighborhood kids. After graduating from Tottenville High School in 1977, Thomas followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a NYC Firefighter, which was so much more than just a career to him; they were his family. During his 22 years “on the job” in the FDNY, Thomas was stationed with Engine 219 in Brooklyn, Engine 33 in The Bowery, and Engine 80 in Harlem. In 2003, he returned to “Dean Street” (E 219) and served the city as a Captain. He bravely served during the 911 Rescue and Recovery Effort. He retired from the eleventh division in February of 2003. Thomas, was an accomplished athlete, who dedicated himself to many competitive pursuits. He loved playing ice hockey, running, biking, skiing, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Notably, he proudly represented the FDNY in the NYC and Boston Marathons. He played hockey at the Navesink Country Club and Red Bank Armory with the “Z Team”, after which he could usually be found making pizza and wings for the guys, late into the night. He spent many happy summers at the Sands Beach Club, in Seabright, NJ with a close “Circle” of friends. He wintered in the Catskills at Hunter and Windham Mountains, where he hit the slopes with the Staten Island Ski Club. Everyone who knew him would describe him as the “life of the party”, and the person you could always depend on, especially his neighbors from Woods of Arden Rd, Allen Ct., and Roebling Ct. Thomas is predeceased by his mother Annmarie “Nancy” Riley (nee Sullivan). Thomas is survived by his cherished children, Stephen and Erin; his former wife, Clare Riley; his loving father, Robert D. Riley; his devoted siblings and their spouses, Kathleen Kilgannon (Kevin), Robert Riley (Rose), Kevin Riley (Donna), and Eileen Schmidt (Robert); his many nieces and nephews; and his loving domestic partner, Joy T. Mullen. Visitation is on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1 - 7 PM at the Matthews Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314, followed by a funeral on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas’ name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.