Obituaries

The family of Kevin Albert Riley, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is saddened to announce his passing on April 14, 2026, at the age of 65, at Petoskey McLaren Hospital. That day just happened to be what would have been his father’s ninety-fifth birthday. We are sure that dad was there to greet him at the gates of Heaven.

Kevin was born June 15, 1960, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to D.S. Don and Rena (Morettin) Riley. He graduated from Sault Area High School in 1978 and shortly after he entered the United States Navy. While in his thirteen years in the service of our country he was active in search and rescue and became a sonar technician. His military service was throughout the Pacific, with deployments in the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, and many more countries.

After his military career, Kevin returned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he met and married his beloved wife Lori and began their life together.

Kevin’s military experience led to a career in computer science, telecommunications, and information technology. He worked for several different companies using his IT knowledge to help guide them through the growing technology of the day.

Kevin, like his father, enjoyed fishing and boating in the St. Mary’s River, planting a huge vegetable garden alongside his wife, and he so loved cooking, especially summertime grilling. Kevin was famous for his “steamed Cajun shrimp’ which he always prepared for the holidays and special occasions. He’d steam the shrimp in his special sauce, roll out newspapers, onto which the shrimp were piled up, and everyone would dig in for those special morsels.

Kevin was also an all-around handyman, talented in almost all phases of construction and willing to offer that help if requested.

A lover of animals, Kevin loved all his dogs and cats, especially his smooth coated collie, Quinn.

Kevin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of twenty-five years, Lori; children, Dale Riley, David (Eve) Daley, Alyce (Mike) Jones, Joshua (Heather) Daley, and Justin Daley; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and brother, Donny Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents D.S. “Don” and Rena; and his father and mother-in-law, Dick and Donna Chapman.

Per Kevin’s request, no service will be held.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the summer of 2026.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the first responders from the Sault Ste. Marie Police & Fire Departments and the Emergency Room staff of MyMichigan, Sault Ste. Marie, for their rapid response, their care, and compassion.

“What we have once enjoyed, we never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us” - Helen Keller.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.