NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — Michael G. Riley, a prominent board member of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity and a well-known figure in the state’s civic and public-policy circles, died Nov. 20, 2025, with his family at his side. He was 69.
Riley’s tenure on the board capped a lifetime defined by intellectual rigor, contrarian spirit, and an unwavering commitment to liberty. Colleagues at the Center remembered him as a forceful thinker whose integrity and curiosity shaped debates and strengthened the organization’s mission.
Born April 11, 1956, on the Pensacola Naval Base in Florida, Riley grew into a standout athlete before launching a distinguished career in the financial sector. He worked across the New York, Chicago and Philadelphia exchanges and served more than two decades as an Option Specialist and Floor Official on the American Stock Exchange. He survived both the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — experiences that friends said left him both humbled and determined.
After retiring in 2003, Riley settled in Rhode Island with his wife and children. A proud MENSA member whose intellectual energy rarely waned, he later entered the worlds of private equity and hedge fund management, earning a Lipper Award in 2009 for Best Hedge Fund.
Riley was also drawn to public life. He pursued several political offices, including a spirited run as the Republican nominee for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District. Beyond campaigning, he served as chair of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity and as treasurer of the Southeastern Legal Foundation, roles that reflected his deeply held belief in constitutional principles and limited government.
Those close to him said his commitment to public service never dampened his love of family or his sense of humor. He enjoyed puzzles, pets and sharing the kind of sharp, witty observations that made him beloved among friends.
Riley is survived by his wife, Laurie Kelly; their children, Brett Kelly-Riley and husband Louis, Quinn Kelly-Riley and Ford Kelly-Riley; and his grandson, Joziah. He also leaves his sister, Christine Simko, and her husband, Mark; his brother, Steven Riley, and sister-in-law Amy; and his nieces, Megan and Marissa, and nephew, Kevin Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara (Bensley) Riley and Ivers W. Riley.
