Michael “Mike” E. Riley, 74, of Port Charlotte, Florida, a beloved educator, mentor, musician, tireless champion for his community and most importantly Dad, and Pop Pop to his many grandchildren, passed away peacefully in his home on October 5, 2026, surrounded by his family and his dear friend Michelle Collett.

He is survived by his brother “outlaw” Whitey Shackelford, his children Lucinda Rempala, Todd Peal, Bob Riley (Sheryl) and Juli Riley’s daughters Lura Harley, Jessica Souter, (Norvyn), Sarah Harley (Ryan), granddaughters Amanda Ostromecki (Jordan), Victoria Matter (Nick), Emerson, grandson Jacob, and his cat Strawberry Buddy Riley.

Riley, as he was known to many, was born on September 4, 1952, to Roy and Anna Margaret Stapleton Riley in Hamilton, Ohio. From his earliest years, Mike was taught by his parents and his “big” sister, Pat, the values that would guide him throughout his life: respect for his elders, compassion for others, and a determination to love life and live each day to its fullest.

Mike attended Hamilton City Schools and graduated from Garfield Senior High School in 1970. He went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, studying part-time for ten years while working full-time and raising a family. In June 1980, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. That same summer, he moved to Charlotte County, Florida, a community that would become not only his home, but the place where he would devote much of his life to serving others.

Mike began his career in education as a physical education teacher at Meadow Park Elementary School. For ten years, he had the privilege of teaching and encouraging thousands of children, whom he affectionately considered “the greatest kids in the world.” He went on to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale and, in 1990, accepted the position of assistant principal at the newly opened Myakka River Elementary School.

His educational career continued with leadership positions at Neil Armstrong Elementary School and Port Charlotte Middle School. He later became Manager of Adult and Community Education, a position he held for six years.

Mike’s greatest gift, however, may have been his ability to bring people together. When Dr. David Gayler, then Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, asked Mike to serve as the district’s link to the community and spokesman for the school system, Mike embraced the role wholeheartedly. As School and Community Relations Officer, he became a bridge between the schools and the community, working with nonprofit organizations, youth activity providers, businesses, families, and countless community partners.

He was a familiar and welcome presence at community events, serving as master of ceremonies, celebrity waiter and bartender, and commencement speaker. He spoke at graduations, honor society banquets, fundraisers, and countless events supporting schools, charities, and nonprofit organizations.

Mike’s commitment to young people extended far beyond the classroom. He served on youth services boards for the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County and on the Education Committee of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. He chaired Education Day for Leadership Charlotte for eight years and Business/Educators Exchange Day for six years. For two decades, he served as a liaison for the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, mentoring students from eighth grade through high school graduation and helping them believe in a future they could achieve.

He was a member and vice president of the 1996–97 Leadership Charlotte class and remained active in organizations dedicated to education and literacy. He was also a past president, Paul Harris Fellow, and charter member of the Peace River-Harbor Heights Rotary Club. Mike lived the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” supporting scholarships for local students and countless nonprofit organizations throughout Charlotte County.

But Mike’s service was not confined to his professional life. Music was another of his great passions. He was the founder and leader of the ten-piece rock and soul band, The BoogieMen. For approximately 36 years, the group brought music, energy, and joy to audiences throughout Charlotte County while donating its time and talent to virtually every kind of community cause imaginable.

The BoogieMen performed to support organizations and causes including Charlotte County Public Schools, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the YMCA, American Heart Association, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Port Charlotte Little League, For the Love of Kids, Pop Warner, Special Olympics, Pregnancy Crisis Care-Line, United Way, Relay for Life, Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, CARE, Charlotte Harbor School’s Adaptive Playground Project, Honor Flight, Tribute to Vietnam Veterans, Backpacks for Kidz, the Punta Gorda Block Party, and the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, among many others.

In recognition of the group’s extraordinary commitment to the community, the City of Punta Gorda proclaimed January 16, 2013, “The BoogieMen Day.”

Mike’s own example of service became so significant that it inspired an award bearing his name. In 2010, Smugglers Enterprises established an annual community service award to honor an individual who selflessly devoted time and talent to improving the lives of children and adults in Charlotte County. The first “Riley Award” was presented to Mike at the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Laishley Park.

The award recognized Mike for his character, integrity, honor, generosity, community service, and commitment to mentoring students. In the years that followed, the award continued to honor other community leaders who embodied those same qualities.

Mike received numerous other honors throughout his years of service, including the Cultural Center’s Charley Award for dedication to the arts through music in 2011; being named Honorary Chairman of the Charlotte County Red Cross Boo Ball in 2011; the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Pacesetter Award in 2012 for outstanding service and achievement; and induction into the inaugural Leadership Charlotte Class Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2013, he was honored by First Macedonia Church of Punta Gorda for his dedicated service to Charlotte County. In 2014, he received the Champions of Youth Award for his service to the children of the community.

Yet, despite the many awards and recognitions, Mike never seemed to view his service as something extraordinary. To him, helping others was simply what you did. His greatest reward was seeing a child gain confidence, watching a student reach graduation, helping a family or nonprofit in need, or bringing people together through music. Mike was proud to call Charlotte County home. He once expressed the philosophy that guided so much of his life:

“I am proud to call Charlotte County my home, and I hope that, in some small way, I can make a difference in the quality of life and self-esteem of the children and adults who are a part of my community.” He did far more than make a small difference.

He spent his life showing what it means to serve others. He taught children, mentored young people, supported educators, strengthened nonprofits, encouraged volunteers, celebrated his community, and used music to bring people together. His name became synonymous with generosity, friendship, education, and service.

His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the young people he mentored, the educators and community leaders he encouraged, the organizations he supported, the musicians he inspired, and the countless people who simply became better because Mike Riley believed in them.

Four months ago, Friends organized “The Life of Riley.” Nine of his friends took to the stage to roast their buddy including Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, entrepreneur, Bruce Laishley, Charlotte Desoto Building Industry Association CEO, Donna Barrett, Restauranteur Lee Richardson, Charlotte County Chamber CEO/Executive Director Executive Bob White, Sara Devos, Gus Skalkos, Bill Dryburgh and former superintendent, Steve Dionisio. Riley had a ball; he laughed all evening. In true Riley style, he wanted the event to be a fundraiser to help the children served by the Back Pack Kidz. In less than three hours, the event raised $50,000.

Mike Riley gave his community his time, his talent, his humor, his music, and, most of all, his heart.  Charlotte County is a better place because he did.

For our Ohio friends and family…

Celebrating the Life of Mike Riley: Hometown Gathering in Hamilton.  To all our friends and family back home, we are bringing our dad, Mike Riley, home to Ohio and would love for you to join us in honoring his memory.  Dad loved nothing more than bringing people together, especially seeing friends and family reconnect who may not have seen each other in a long time.  Saturday, November 21st at 11:00 AM a Memorial Service at Rose Hill Cemetery, 2421 Princeton Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011, then next, Sunday, November 22nd from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Informal Gathering at Pohlman’s 954 Pyramid Hill Blvd, Hamilton, OH 45013.  Whether you can make it to the cemetery on Saturday, drop by Pohlman’s on Sunday to share a toast and a few stories, or join us for both, we look forward to seeing you and celebrating the mark Dad left on all our lives.  Everyone is welcome!

For our Florida friends…

Join Us in Celebrating the Life of Riley: A Downtown Punta Gorda Pub Walk.  As many of you know, our dad, Mike Riley, enjoyed walking through downtown Punta Gorda and stopping into his favorite local spots.  Finding a venue for a large gathering during the busy holiday season can be tough, so we’re honoring him the way he would have loved most—by walking his favorite Thursday night route. Before we take him back home to Ohio, we warmly invite all our friends, family, and local community to join us, raise a glass, and share your favorite stories of Riley.

We will continue to honor his legacy throughout the coming year, but on this particular Thursday, we would love to share our time and memories with you at his favorite gathering spots.  Schedule for Thursday, November 19th: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | River City Grill, then from 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM | Winesett House; next from 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM, F.M. Don’s, and finally from 8:15 PM onwards, Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar (Final Stop).  Whether you can drop by for five minutes or stay for the whole evening, we’d love to see you and hear your favorite memories of Riley. Everyone is welcome!  With Love from Riley’s family.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Mike’s memory to the Charlotte Community Foundation, 227 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, or click on the following link: MIKE RILEY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.