Daniel Robert Riley's Obituary
Daniel Robert Riley, age 74, passed away on February 12, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan. Dan was born to Delbert Moore and Elsie (Johnson) Moore on April 4, 1951, in Muskegon, Michigan. Dan was adopted and raised by Lyle and Mary Riley. Dan graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1969, after which he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1973. He went on to attend Kendall College of Art and Design and Grand Valley State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences. On November 8, 1974, Dan married Judy Thomas in Muskegon, Michigan.
Dan worked as a teacher, sharing his love for art with the students at Baker College in his graphic design class. Dan also worked for over twenty years as a mentor for MOKA, which he retired from in 2020.
Dan was a talented artist who could often be found creating a beautiful work of art, playing songs on his guitar or piano, or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen. Dan enjoyed being outside doing yard work, grilling, or spending days on the beach with his family. He was deeply interested in history, particularly the Civil War. Dan lived passionately and could always find the beauty in his surroundings. He was a spiritual and virtuous person with a generous and compassionate heart.
Dan’s cool and funny personality will be deeply missed by his wife, Judy Riley; daughters, Jillian Riley and Lynne Ann (Bradley) Butler; grandchildren, Samuel Butler, April Butler, Rain Riley, and Olivia Riley; sisters, Lynn Paquin, Judy (Kent) Osborne, and Carmen (Rich Mikel) Dykema; and nieces and nephews, Joseph Paquin II, Sarah (Tom) Habetler, Stacey (Rick) Stanton, and Ahna Dykema. Dan is preceded in death by his birth and adoptive parents; his nephew, Kent Osborne; and brother-in-law Joe Paquin.
Memorial contributions in Dan’s honor may be made to The American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, Michigan, 49442. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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