Stephen Francis Riley was born on this date in the City of Providence to the late Rita Patricia (Coleman) Riley (1917-1974) and the late Francis Charles Riley (1915-2004).

Stephen grew up in Pawtucket. He may have the singular distinction among the Rileys of having grown up on both sides of the Blackstone River. His infancy and very early years were spent on Sayles Avenue, between West and Pawtucket Avenues. While in his pre-adolescent years, his parents moved to Wilton Avenue right near Slater Park. It was fun to visit the house on Sayles Avenue, because there was always the possibility that the doors of a nearby fire station would swing open, and the fire trucks would come rushing out with their sirens blasting and lights flashing.

After moving to Wilton Avenue, Stephen attended Saint Teresa’s Parochial Elementary School and later, like his father, graduated from Saint Raphael’s Academy. Stephen enjoyed quite a bit of academic success at Saints and received recognition for his involvement in various community organizations.

Given his many impressive high school accomplishments, Stephen’s acceptance into Georgetown University was a just reward for all his hard work. The wonderful education the University provided must have also improved Stephen’s social graces and ability to communicate with the opposite sex. It was there at GT that he met the woman who was to become his wife and life partner, Joan Melissa Burggraf. The couple married on August of 1978 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Garden City, Long Island, New York. Their two daughters, Kate and Annie have brought joy, pride and much love to Joan and Stephen.

After receiving his law degree from Catholic University, Stephen built an international practice representing several countries from the African continent. He was also instrumental in facilitating improved communications for several of those developing countries. After many years in that field, Stephen switched his area of interest and presently is the Executive Director of Potomac Community Resources, Inc., which “promotes the full inclusion into community life of teens and adults with developmental differences by providing over 35 therapeutic, recreational, social, educational, and respite care programs.” You may find out more about the PCR at this link: https://pcr-inc.org

Happy Birthday to Stephen and may the wine be properly chilled.