Fr Riley was born in Echuca, and was the nephew of Deniliquin community champion Geoff Riley, who passed in 2023.
Fr Riley was the founder of Youth Off The Streets, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and young people in need.
His uncle made and sold Christmas puddings each year to donate to his efforts, with great support from the Deniliquin Community.
Fr Riley’s role and his family often brought him to Deniliquin, especially in the early 2000s.
Pastoral Times records show his influence, during one of those visits, helped the then Deniliquin Council to settle on the creation of the Deniliquin Skate Park close to the town centre.
Following a long period of ill-health, Youth Off The Streets confirmed on Friday he had died at home on Thursday.
Its chair Anne Fitzgerald said the organisation was mourning the loss of its founder.
“He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,” she said.
“Fr Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”
The organisation began in 1991 with a single food van that served meals to young people experiencing homelessness in Sydney’s inner-city.
Now, it has over 220 staff members dedicated to helping people aged 12 to 24 in NSW and Queensland, offering support services and education opportunities.
Fr Riley served as the organisation’s chief executive for nearly three decades before moving on to its board in 2020.
He stepped down from his role as executive director in 2022 due to illness.
Youth Off The Streets chief executive Judy Barraclough said Fr Riley’s dedication had left a powerful legacy.
“His vision, drive and determination will continue to inspire our organisation as we strive to provide growing numbers of disadvantaged children and young people with safety, support and education for a better future,” she said.
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