EUGENE WESLEY RILEY was the only child born on April 12, 1976, to Gloria Jean Riley and Eugene Westly Thorne in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in the Philadelphia School District surrounded by many loving cousins, aunts, and best friends. He attended Girard College, an independent college preparatory boarding school for middle school. He then graduated with his high school diploma from Arts Charter at William Penn High School. Eugene was an accomplished comic book artist and author; he possessed a slew of skills and certifications including Visual Arts from Arts at Fleisher Art Memorial, Computer Networking, and Certified Nursing Assistance and Home Health Care from the Community College of Philadelphia. Eugene has worked as a Merchandiser, Dining Personnel at Watermark and Spirit of Philadelphia, Security at Watermark, and a Bouncer at various clubs, and also worked for the Trenton School District.

Gene, as he was affectionately called, was a jubilant, boisterous, confident, loyal, charming, and compassionate man. His presence brightened every space that he entered. His smile was contagious and his charm was comforting. Gene loved his friends wholeheartedly, but the love that he held for his late wife, Jennifer Riley, who passed away two years prior in 2021, and children; Rocky (30), Tyanna (28), Phill (26), Eddie (24), Geanina (23), Alec (22), and Jenna (16) was unmatched. Gene was honored to be a husband and a father, consistently championing his family to be their best with his words of wisdom. Not only was he an amazing person in his personal life, but he also worked as a caretaker who made sure his elderly patients were well looked after through his profession.

Gene was a warrior who constantly persevered through any challenge life presented to him, and inspired those around him to do the same. He was a kind and ambitious man of loyalty, respect, patience, and strength. He nicknamed himself Genuwin. It was a declarative nickname meaning "Gene you win", and a promise to remain genuine to all those that were true to him. He famously told his children to "L O X" which stood for Live Off experience, and keep their heads held high in the face of strife, as he did.

Gene was a full-time dad and pet parent and was held in the highest regard for his unwavering passion, humor, and dedication. He will be remembered through Christmas traditions with his wife and children, ice cream socials, Marvel movie dates, and his name forever admired throughout the streets of West Philadelphia. Gene was known for making everyone he encountered feel special through his personalized nicknames for them. Jennifer and now Gene's spirit radiates throughout the Riley home with original paintings and family photos galore. He taught his family honesty, courage, loyalty, and boundless support.

After 47 years of life on this earth with 15 years of marriage included, Jennifer and Gene raised most of their kids to adulthood. On May 3, 2023 after a transsphenoidal benign pituitary tumor removal, Gene suddenly and sorrowfully suffered a heart attack and transitioned. He joins his wife and parents in the next realm. We are eternally thankful and honored to have known his vibrancy. On May 16, 2023 we celebrate the life and passing of Eugene "Gene" Wesley Riley. He will forever be missed, appreciated, and renowned for the impact he left on the special group of people whose lives he touched.