Aidan Michael Riley, beloved son of Ellen Wright Riley and Michael Riley died suddenly at his home on Monday, May, 24, 2021. He was a fiercely loyal and loving son, brother, and friend. He was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, MO on September 29, 2006, the feast of St. Michael and all the Archangels.
In addition to his parents, Aidan is survived by his sister Maeve and brother Conor; his grandparents John Wright and Kathi Welch, Tony and Jeanne Riley, and Claire and Bill Kelly Schultze; Uncles Shane (Mikki) Wright, Casey (Cory) Wright and Paul (Betsy) Riley; and cousins Forrest, Duke, Elsie and Isla Wright, John and Madeleine Riley; and too many great aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends to list.
He was preceded in death by many beloved family members, most recently his great-grandmother Ruthe Wright and cousin Jacob Hayes, and also his maternal grandmother, Joanie Hayes Wright who surely welcomed him into God’s kingdom with loving arms.
Although Aidan’s time on earth was much too short, he had many notable accomplishments during that time. Aidan was a highly intelligent boy, often thinking deeply and questioning everything. Aidan decided at the age of two that he would be a paleontologist, later changing his mind when he considered the potential salary. Aidan was an avid reader from a young age, often finishing more than one book a week, and even attempting to write a few of his own. In second grade, Aidan was selected to attend the Enriched Learning program through the public school district, which let him really be himself while fostering his mathematical mind and his extensive creativity. He created games and podcasts, putting his endless statistical sports knowledge to good use.
Aidan developed a love of travel through many wonderful trips, especially to Ireland where the family jumped into the bay from the pier, played with the neighbors, and walked into town. The Riley family of five all agreed that the most recent trip to Florida was one of the best ever as they walked on the beach, played games as a family at night, and had sibling sleepovers every night.
Aidan had two special birthday experiences with his dad. They attended the Sept. 29, 2014 Chief vs. Patriots game in which the Chief’s “Beat Brady” cheer earned the world record for the loudest stadium. To celebrate his 13th birthday in 2019, Aidan and Mike travelled to the University of Notre Dame. Mike is especially grateful in light of the 2020 pandemic that followed. The Rileys loved sharing the campuses of their Alma Maters, Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s, with their children by visiting the grotto, the Basilica, the dorms, and the lakes where Mike and Ellen spent their college years.
Aidan tried many sports and was a well-rounded athlete. Golf, the only sport he hadn’t yet tried, was on his list to try as he planned to do business deals on the golf course as an entrepreneur. Football, basketball, track, and diving were his favorite sports. Football allowed him to hit without getting in trouble. At 6’3” in 8th grade, his height and skill were assets on the basketball court. In his dad’s footsteps, Aidan ran competitive track. He also loved to dive, which he perfected through hours on the trampoline.
Aidan had just completed his 8th grade year at Curé of Ars School and enjoyed his many friends who welcomed him when he transferred during his 6th grade year. There, he competed in football, basketball, and track. Earning an academic scholarship to Bishop Miege High School, Aidan looked forward to playing football and a fresh start at a new school.
Aidan’s quick wit and dry sense of humor will be remembered and his family will miss him calling them out on their “stupidity.” He loved spending time with his friends and playing basketball and ps4. Sometimes, he would have to excuse himself to play with his squad saying, “the boys request my presence” and he would go “grind” as he called it. Everyone wanted to be around Aidan because of his great zeal, sense of humor, intensity, and love of life; you would never know he was an introvert at heart. Aidan loved life, his family, his friends, the beach, sports, Notre Dame Football, and Ireland.
Aidan attended Catholic school from preschool through 8th grade. He received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation at Curé of Ars, and First Holy Communion and Reconciliation at St. Ann. While Aidan’s life experiences and constant deep thinking evoked challenging questions about his Catholic faith, Aidan and his mom, Ellen, recently had a conversation about the belief that there is more beyond this life and all of our questions will be answered. She told Aidan that she will always pray for him, and she knows there are many who will do the same. Both Mike and Ellen cherish not only the memory of their first-born son, but also the recent, deep conversations they shared with Aidan. Maeve and Conor treasure their memories of their older brother who loved to tease them, but also fiercely loved and protected them.
A memorial visitation will be held at Curé of Ars Church on Thursday, May 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with a rosary at 5:00pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Curé of Ars on Friday, May 28th 2021 at 12:30. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at: https://www.cureofars.com/funeral. Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life Lunch at Bishop Miege in the commons. All are welcome to attend. A private burial will follow the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Aidan Michael Riley Scholarship Fund to assist at Curé of Ars students who wish to attend Bishop Miege High School. www.bishopmiege.com/aidanriley
Aidan’s memory is a blessing to the many who adored him. We know his love continues through the love and kindness we show each other. Please remember Aidan’s beautiful smile and sense of humor.