Rev. Leo Patrick Riley, 69, of Punta Gorda, Florida died December 16, 2024, at home of natural causes.

Father Riley was born in Iowa City, Iowa to the late J. Patrick Riley and Theresa (Malone) Riley. Father Riley was raised in Marion, Iowa where he was a highly accomplished junior golfer, holding a number of course records. He graduated from Regis High School and the University of Iowa. Father Riley was called to the priesthood and attended St. Meinrad Seminary, where he earned a master’s degree in theology. He was ordained into the priesthood May 22, 1982, for the Archdiocese of Dubuque and served parishes in Iowa. In 2002, to be closer to his parents, he transferred to the Diocese of Venice in Florida serving at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples and San Antonio Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.

Father Riley was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the National Rifle Association, ABATE of Iowa, and ABATE of Florida. He loved spending time with friends in the outdoors.

Father Riley is survived by his sister Ann Nesbit and her husband John Nesbit of Des Moines, Iowa, Michael Riley and his wife Marlene of Naples, Florida, and Christopher Riley and his wife Mary of Edina, Minnesota, and by many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held January 8, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 West Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Vincent DePaul of Punta Gorda, Florida, or the Dominican Sisters of Mary in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.