Obituary of Dennis L. Riley, Esq.

Dennis L. Riley, Esquire, of Blackwood, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  He was 77.
 
Legacy
Dennis was born September 13, 1945 in Ottawa, Illinois to the late Giles & Rita (nee Mulholland) Riley. As a young child, his family moved to Collingswood, NJ. Dennis is a graduate of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School.  He earned an undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law, Camden, NJ in 1972. Dennis enjoyed a long career practicing law.  He represented planning, zoning and rent control boards and also served as municipal prosecutor for Cheslilhurst, Clementon, Lindenwold and Winslow Twp.  Dennis was also appointed to serve on the Planning Board of Gloucester Twp., NJ.

In 1979, with the support of the late James Florio, Dennis ran for and won a seat in the New Jersey State Assembly.  He held that seat until 1990.  During his tenure Dennis was successful in developing legislation for Casinos, offering $2 bets in New Jersey Casinos, as well as, legislation granting volunteer coaches and officials in Little League and other youth sports programs immunity from possible lawsuits.

Dennis had a life long passion for golf.  He enjoyed traveling and organizing golf trips – especially to Ireland and Casa de Campo.  In 2000, Dennis partnered in Valleybrook Golf Course and for the next 23 years spent countless hours developing and improving the course into a facility enjoyed by South Jersey Golf enthusiasts.  He fostered many friendships in his Riley’s Pub enjoying every minute of it!

Dennis was always willing to help those in need.  For 40 years, he ran the Riley/Kennedy Golf Tournament benefiting the ARC of Camden County raising well over $1.5m over those years. Dennis also established a golf scholarship for students at Xavier University and participated in the building of the golf facility at Maketewah.

Dennis will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved this special man.
 
Family
Dennis is the beloved husband of Yvonne (nee Schultes); loving father of Patrick (Jamie) Riley, Yvonne Schultes, Patrick Schultes and the late Christopher Schultes; dear brother of Michael, Stephen & William Riley; cherished grandfather of Danielle, Jackson, Sean, and Aubrey.
 
Farewell Tribute
Dennis' family will celebrate his life well lived with a private memorial. Donations or contributions should be directed, in Dennis’ name, to the ARC of Camden County, 215 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ  08009.  In an effort to keep Dennis' legacy alive; please share a memory with his family.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, Washington Twp. & Woodbury.
share the memories … share love … ShareLife® at www.mcgfuneral.com