Tom Riley

Hardworking, compassionate, and charismatic with an infectious sense of humor, Tom Riley brought warmth and laughter into every room he walked into. He was a steadfast source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and once he set his mind on achieving something, there was nothing that could stand in the way of his determination and grit. Tom deeply savored each and every chance to hold his friends and family members close. His generosity has touched countless lives, and he was the kind of man to find great joy in the simple pleasures of life. Although he is already so missed, Tom will be forever cherished by those fortunate enough to know and love him.

The late 1960s were years of great social and cultural change for those living in the United States of America. The Vietnam War continued to rage overseas, calling many servicemen away from home, and humanity rose to new heights with the historic moon landing. In the world of entertainment, music from iconic artists such as the Beatles and Led Zeppelin defined the era. It was during this influential time that Billy and Mary Riley of Detroit, Michigan, were ecstatic to announce the arrival of their newborn son. Born on Ingram Street, Tom made his entrance into the world on March 30 of 1969.

Throughout his childhood, Tom was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Jerry, and the two were known on their street as “the Riley brothers.” Tom and Jerry were extremely active and were always outside playing baseball, basketball, and football. They also spent plenty of time with their younger cousins. Tom’s mischievous streak certainly landed him in his share of trouble.

Growing up, Tom attended local schools, including Franklin High School, where he played football for one year and basketball for all four. It was while attending Franklin that Tom met the love of his life, Jeannie Schoder, in advanced gym class. He was a senior at the time, and she was a freshman. The high school sweethearts loved going to parties nearly every weekend. After graduating from high school, Tom pursued further education at Oakland Community College while working as a manager at Target.

On an especially memorable Christmas morning in 1992, Tom and Jeannie took the next step in their relationship. Jeannie joked that she hadn’t received the leather jacket she’d really wanted, and Tom told her that he had one last gift and that she should close her eyes. When Jeannie opened her eyes, she found Tom standing there with a ring. Just three months later, the two found out they were expecting their firstborn child. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Tom and Jeannie were married on July 17, 1993. They soon welcomed their baby girl, Kaitlynn, into their arms. Making the most of what little they had, the new parents bought their first place together in 1994. In the coming years, their family grew to include their son, Kyle, and later their youngest daughter, Kenedi.

As a young adult, Tom discovered a passion for tile work and considered it to be a form of art. He worked tirelessly to build a successful career for himself, doing side jobs and working nearly every day. Tom’s job was very demanding and required long hours, but his work brought him great pride. He always had stories and pictures from his jobs to share. Always thinking of others before himself, Tom often volunteered his time and energy to help friends and family members with work on their homes. Even as his health declined, he continued to work on side projects for himself and his loved ones, including painting, tiling, and landscaping. He was never one to be content sitting still for long.

Of all the things Tom loved in life, his family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure. He thrived in his role as a father to Kaitlynn, Kyle, and Kenedi. Tom was so happy to watch his family flourish as his kids grew up and set out on lives of their own, and he was thrilled to become an adoring grandfather to his beloved grandson, Isaiah. He looked forward to doting on Isaiah and taking him to the park. Tom’s greatest joy was found in the moments he shared with his family. Some of his favorite memories included a road trip down to Disney World with Jeannie and Kenedi, a vacation to the beautiful Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, and a weekend trip to Chicago with family. Tom also loved making annual winter trips to go ice fishing on Lake Gogebic in the Upper Peninsula with his best friend, Dave.

In his spare time, Tom could often be found enjoying the great outdoors. He liked fishing, boating, and just soaking up the nature around him. Tom’s lake house was his happy place. Cooking and sharing food with his family and friends was his favorite way to show his love for those around him. Tom enjoyed country music, and as an avid sports fan, he loved cheering on the Detroit Tigers, the Michigan Wolverines, the Detroit Pistons, and even the Detroit Lions on occasion.

When looking back on the vibrant and overflowing life of Tom Riley, it is easy to celebrate a man who impacted so many lives for the better. He served as a powerful role model of selflessness, and he went above and beyond to serve others with a heartwarming thoughtfulness. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom led his family with integrity and wisdom. His insatiable zest for life could be felt and admired by all those he held close. So dearly missed, Tom leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones can be proud to carry on in his memory.

Tom Riley of Westland passed away September 30, 2026 at the age of 57. He was born March 30, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan to Billy and Mary Riley. Beloved husband of Jeannie. Loving father of Kaitlynn (Michael) Halvorsen, Kyle (Patty) Riley, and Kenedi Riley. Devoted grandpa to Isaiah. Dear brother of Gerald Riley. Son-in-law of Elaine Schoder. Tom is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents. Visitation Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 3-8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Funeral service Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association.