Donovan Wilson Riley, Sr.

Donovan Wilson Riley Sr. passed away on August 18, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 85. Donovan was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on February 14, 1937, to Gordon Wilson Riley and Margaret Mary O’Brien. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1955 and received his BA and JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959 and 1961, respectively. He held University Administrator posts in La Crosse, Milwaukee, Chicago, and New York City, assisted with the creation of the Wisconsin Fiscal Bureau, and was instrumental in establishing the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Donovan is survived by his partner of sixteen years Candice Owley; sister Kathleen Lindas; children Donovan Wilson (Jamie) Riley Jr, Robert James (Melissa) Riley, Claire Margaret (Richard) Riley, and Margaret “Peggy” Riley-Dooley; stepdaughter Melissa Curran; grandchildren Margaret, Lucy, Vivienne, James, Jack, Thomas, Madelyne, Joe, Jake, Ellenor, Oscar, Alaysha, Michael, William, Rachel, and Oliver; and great-grandchildren Shayla, Theodore, and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his brother Lawrence J. Riley and former wife and friend Connie Curran.

Donovan was a fierce advocate for democratic ideals, campaigning throughout his life for causes that bettered humanity. A world traveler and a lifelong learner with the heart of a teacher, he had also mastered the ability to putter around in the backyard. He was happiest when he was on the road to visit family and friends spread out all over the country or exploring nature with loved ones in various corners of the world.

Private family graveside service in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A public celebration of life will be held for Donovan on Sunday, September 11th from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the St. Paul Fish Company restaurant, 6200 West Mequon Road, Mequon, Wisconsin 53092.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages a gift to the ACLU:

American Civil Liberties Union: 207 East Buffalo Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202; aclu.org;  1-888-567-ACLU

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