Michael "Mikey" Grant Riley

Michael "Mikey" Grant Riley, born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1975, left this world on July 7, 2026 surrounded by the mountains and beautiful skies he loved; and by the love of family and friends whose lives will never be the same without him.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Patrick Michael "Mike" Riley and Rose Mary "Rosie" Riley, Mikey spent his early years in one of the cities he loved most. He later made McHenry County his home, where he graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School in 1994 before pursuing culinary studies at Elgin Community College. No matter where life took him, he never ever, lost his devotion to Chicago or Detroit. They both had cultures he could not get enough of.

Mikey liked being a Christmas baby. It somehow suited him. He had a gift for bringing people together, making people laugh, and turning ordinary moments into stories that will be told for years. If you knew him, you probably have one of these stories. Share them; loud and proud.

He loved deeply. Family and friendships meant everything to him, and he wasn't interested in surface-level relationships. He much preferred long conversations, discovering new books, music, movies, and ideas; and then sharing them with the people he cared the most about. An avid reader, traveler, gardener, talented cook, and everyday music lover, Mikey embraced life with curiosity, humor, and the heart of a true free spirit.

Whether he was playing guitar, cheering on any Chicago or Detroit sports teams, traveling to Canada for mischief, making everyone laugh with his wonderfully twisted sense of humor, or passionately debating just about anything, Mikey made life more interesting. He had a knack for bringing people together, and a way of making everyone around him feel like they belonged. He would do anything for anyone, at any time; all you had to do was ask.

More than anything, Mikey loved his family and friends. He was funny, thoughtful, loyal, endlessly curious, and completely and unapologetically himself.

He touched countless lives, often without realizing just how much he meant to the people around him. The world is a little less funny, and a little less bright without him.

Mikey was welcomed home by his beloved mother, Rosie Riley. He leaves behind his dear father, Mike Riley; his sister and best friend, Dana, and her husband, Matt Eyles; along with countless relatives, lifelong friends, and the family he built, simply by just being Mikey.

One friend said it best; "My life would not be what it is today if it weren't for Mikey."

If you were lucky enough to know him, you'll carry a piece of him with you—in the music you hear, the stories you tell, the meals you share, and the laughter that always seems to find its way back.

From one of his favorite artists; We are wishing you “Peace, love and understanding.”

In lieu of flowers, please send your kind donations to Dream Riders, 4701 N. Oak St., Crystal Lake, IL 60012 or Dream Riders Online Donations http://dream-riders.square.site

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory of Michael or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.