Br. Daniel P. Riley, 81, passes away July 24

Br. Daniel (Dan) Riley, OFM, 81, passed away on July 24, 2024. A native of Rochester, New York, Br. Dan was received into the Franciscan Order on July 14, 1965; made simple vows on July 15, 1966; professed solemn vows on Oct. 4, 1970; and was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 11, 1971.  

Br. Dan went home to the Lord after years of service to Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community in West Clarksville, New York, St. Bonaventure University and ministry to the Order. He graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and earned a master’s degree in theology from Washington Theological Union. In addition, he served as co-chair of the task force of religious for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. 

In 1971, he began his first assignment from the legacy Holy Name Province—to help create a contemporary campus ministry program at St. Bonaventure. He would go on to serve as the province’s vocation director and have other assignments in Boston, New York City, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Washington D.C. from 1974 to 1979 before returning to the campus ministry program at St. Bonaventure and establishing Mt. Irenaeus.  

Br. Dan was honored with the Gaudete Medal for bolstering the spiritual health of St. Bonaventure in 2009. Recipients of the Gaudete, which means “Rejoice!” in Latin, have inspired, encouraged and enlightened others through their personal and professional lives. 

His profound impact at St. Bonaventure was formally recognized in 2023 when Br. Dan — Bill Riley, as his family and 1964 classmates knew him — received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater at the Commencement Ceremony. 

The seeds for Mt. Irenaeus were planted in 1971, when Br. Dan and Br. Gervase White, OFM, led an off-campus retreat for some St. Bonaventure students. That sparked a conversation between Br. Dan and Br. Irenaeus Herscher, OFM, the librarian at St. Bonaventure, about creating a space away from the daily bustle of campus life for retreats and prayer. Thanks to Br. Dan’s collaborative spirit, leadership and vision, Mt. Irenaeus has expanded its reach and ministry over the years to become a haven for prayer and reflection where all are welcome.  

Br. Dan was known for his powerful prayers and reflections, often drawing from the beauty of nature and the strength of relationships. In his book, Franciscan Lectio: Reading the World through the Living Word, published by Paraclete Press, he helps readers to see that all of life is unitive and sacred. 

He is survived by family members, friends and friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  

Br. Dan’s vigil prayer service and funeral Mass will be held at St. Bonaventure University on Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2. Events held in the University Chapel will be livestreamed. Visitation is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. on Aug. 1 in the University Chapel, followed by the vigil prayer service 7-7:30 p.m., and optional meditative reflection/sharing in the Doyle Conference Room from 7:45-8:45 p.m. Alternative visitation will be held on Aug. 2 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the University Chapel, followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date.