The Riley Fund - Funeral and moving assistance.

Hello

My name is Ni’Cole, and I’ve created this fundraiser in honor of one of my longest and best friends, Eugene W. Riley, whose sudden passing occurred on Wednesday, 05/03/2023, at approximately 3 p.m.

Gene, as he was affectionately nicknamed, was a jubilant, boisterous, confident, loyal, and compassionate friend. His presence illuminated every space that he entered. His smile was contagious and his charm was comforting.

Gene had strong affection for his friends- and we felt it - but the love reserved for his late wife, Jennifer Riley (July 14, 2021) and children: Rocky (30), Eddie (24), Geanina (23), Alec (22), and Jenna (16) was unmatched. Gene revered his role as a husband and father, consistently championing his family to be their best with his, “words of wisdom.” Not only was he a pillar of kindness, he also worked as a caretaker ensuring that his patients received the best care.

In April, Gene began to suffer from severe headaches and an impaired vision. During a routine visit to his doctor, he learned that he had a non-cancerous tumor that was compressing his left optical nerve. Heeding his doctor’s advice, he underwent surgery to have the tumor removed at about 6:15 a.m. on Monday, May 1st.

The surgery was meant to be a non-invasive transsphenoidal tumor removal. After what seemed to be a successful procedure, hospital staff insisted on discharging him Tuesday evening because, "the doctor likes when patients leave the following day." He stayed one more day due to high blood pressure. After only 1.5 days of recovery, he was discharged, escorted by his oldest daughter while his youngest rode in the back.

His condition was poor. He couldn’t eat, open his eyes, shower, or dress independently. During the commute, he suffered through an immeasurable amount of pain as his daughters brutally witnessed a quick collapse of functionality. Complications from the surgery brought their ride home to a frantic halt as Gene became dizzy and lost conscious before even entering his home. His daughters administered the best care possible while awaiting ambulatory services. After their arrival, EMTs intervened. After working on him, they then realized the urgency and rushed Gene to the nearest hospital, but sadly, he passed while in route.

As his family is forced to pivot what was once a normal life, help with: funeral and medical expenses, finding a new place to live, plus allowances to maintain the cost of living are needed. No amount is too small and your donation would help ease at least part of this unfortunate transition.

Thank you.

Sincerely

Ni’Cole Barnes, on behalf of the Riley family