Published in the March 27, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Daniel “Danny” W. Riley, 54, of Wakefield died surrounded by family on Thursday, March 23, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill.
Born in Arlington on April 6, 1962, he was the son of William F. Riley Jr. of Arlington and the late Roberta (Flaherty) Riley.
Daniel is survived by his wife Janet M. (Marino) Riley, his son Daniel W. Riley Jr. and his wife Andrea of Stoneham, and his three daughters Stacy A. Cucinotto and her husband Chris, Rebecca E. Riley, and Rachael A. Riley, all of Wakefield. He leaves behind his siblings Steven Riley and his wife Nancy of Wakefield, Robert Riley and his wife Betsy of Arlington, Richard Riley of Arlington, and Donna Hughes and her husband Christopher of Arlington, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loving friends. Danny was predeceased by his son Brad M. Riley.
Danny grew up in Arlington and was a graduate of Minuteman High School. He became a successful interior designer and part owner of Norfolk Design with his brothers.
Danny was a Wakefield resident since 1992. He loved cooking and was passionate about spending time with his family, friends, and pets. He was an active parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish, where he was a member of ARISE and served as a Eucharistic Minister, and was a Cursillista at St. Basil Salvatorian Center.
Danny was known for exuding positivity, resilience, humility and faith during his inspirational journey with cancer. He will be remembered for his humor and the light he brought to everyone he encountered. Danny guided others through his blog Just Danny Speaks and in supporting fellow patients at Dana Farber and the YMCA Livestrong program.
His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.
