Dennis Edward Riley, 49, passed away Saturday, June 6 th in New York City, as a result of a tragic accident while kayaking.

Born April 7, 1971, in the Bronx, NY, Dennis was the first child together of Rosalie Arana Monroig and Edward ("Eddie") Riley. He spent his childhood living on Dewey Ave. in the Throgg's Neck section.

His brilliant smile and effervescent personality won him "Friendliest" as a senior at Monsignor Scanlan High School. Dennis graduated in 1997 with a BA in History from SUNY (State University of New York) at Albany, where his friends say he would have been crowned "Mr. Congeniality" had there been such an honor.

Because of his "gift of gab," Dennis had an affinity for a career in sales, including, most recently, with Thyssen Krupp Elevators.

Dennis loved baseball, playing as a youth (and being named 1982 Veterans Little League MVP), and religiously following his home-town Yankees. He more recently became an avid snowboarder. Throughout his life, he was a reliable cheerleader of, and role model to, his large, extended family that he loved with all of his heart.

He is survived by his father Eddie, daughter Alejandra Jordan ("AJ") Sarmiento-Riley, siblings Denise and Eddie Riley, Debbie Monroig, Rosie Monroig-Padilla, Daniel ("Danny") Riley and wife Rebecca ("Becky"), Lesley Rios, and Joseph ("Joey") Rios, nephews Jonathon Richardson, Jodanis ("JoJo") and Enrique ("Ricky") Padilla, Christian and Gabriel Tejada, and scores of cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Rosalie (1945-2018) and brother Robert (1970-1972).

Private services are planned for the immediate family; a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

The family requests memorial donations be made to a college fund for his daughter, AJ. Contact: sean.donleavy@thyssenkrupp.com

Miss Me, but Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road,

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is the journey we all must take,

And each much go it alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan -

Just a step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go!