Philip J. Riley, Esq.

Phil Riley of Amesbury and longtime resident of Middleton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 18, 2022. 
Raised in Methuen, Andover, and Topsfield; Phil developed friendships that lasted his entire life. A lover of all sports, he was an excellent football, basketball, and baseball star in high school. He continued his love of sports by coaching basketball and baseball, playing golf, and catching any Patriots, Red Sox, or Celtics game he could. 
Phil loved the North Shore, living in the area for all his 73 years. He loved everything- the places he went, the people he met, and the history of the area. He was a mortgage broker in his early career, then a realtor, but he found his calling in the law. Phil Riley was a lawyer for everyone. He found satisfaction in helping people through their life and legal challenges. His humble intelligence and honesty resulted in many people who befriended Phil through his legal practice. Phil was known for his honesty and integrity, and that carried over into everything he did. Although his professional career gave him great gratification- as well as many rounds of golf during his working hours- his true passion was his friends and family. He stayed close to friends from every stage of his life; his childhood neighborhood in Andover, his years at Masconomet and UMass, and in the community of Middleton. 
He met the love of his life and future wife, Janet Richardson, in 7th grade and they never looked back. A nearly 50-year marriage yielded three children, six grandchildren, and countless memories. Phil loved family above all else, living with his children, grandchildren, brother, and sister for over a decade. A true local legend, Phil will be missed by many on the North Shore. He leaves behind his wife Janet; his sister Cathy; his children, and their partners Ben (John), Cory (Ned), and Jake (Catherine); his grandchildren Sadie, Anderson, Bella, Natasha, Percy, and Pavel; and other beloved family members including the Maui Rileys, the Daniels and the Richardsons.  Phil was recently pre-deceased by his dear friend and brother, Jim Riley of Maui. 
A friend and mentor to so many, we will all sorely miss our late-night philosopher, armchair Jeopardy champion, and small-town warrior for what is Just. 

Visitation hours will be held on Monday, May 23 from 3-5 PM at Mackey Funeral Home, rt. 114, in Middleton MA. Family members will share a few words of remembrance at 5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory with donations to Northeast Legal Aid (northeastlegalaid.org/give). 

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