William “Billy” Edward Riley, Jr.

April 5, 1979 - March 21, 2020

William Edward Riley Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fort Myers Florida on Saturday March 21st, 2020 at the age of 40. He was born April 5th, 1979 at Saint Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester, MA to his Parents William and Eileen (Keaney) Riley.

He was raised in Weymouth Landing along with his two older and surviving Sisters, Lisa Riley of Bridgewater and Laura DeShiro of Weymouth Mass. Known to his friends and family here in Massachusetts as Billy. He attended Hunt Elementary School and graduated from Weymouth High School. Billy worked in the Concrete Industry both here in Mass. and in Florida. He operated as a Concrete Mixer Truck Driver and at the time of his passing he was employed by Cement Industries in Fort Myers, Florida. Billy was not married and had no children however; he was an Uncle to many Nieces and Nephews whom are currently missing his presence and loved him very much. Billy is also survived by his many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Second Cousins, friends and family here in mass. Billy’s family also included his more recently known loved ones in Florida he considered friends. In November 2019 Billy entered a home and community that allowed him access to pursue a clean and sober life. Billy entered in-to the care and guidance of Nextep Addiction and Recovery Residence in Fort Myers Florida for peer group and recovery support under the Direction of Andrea Raab. Billy’s sobriety started on 11/19/19 and he was committed to change. Since our brother’s passing, we have been comforted by the outpouring of wishes, support and remembrances shared by his Florida friends/family. Billy experienced a lifelong battle with addiction. At the time of his passing he was doing the best we had seen in a long time. He was working the program, had a job, a home and was providing encouragement, support and laughs to others in his program. By his Florida peeps he was referred to as “Boston Bill” and “Beantown Buddy”. Billy was a very sensitive soul whom cared deeply for others. He battled the demons of addiction with seeds that were planted in his garden long before he came to grow there.

Today our hopes are that he resides in the pastures of peace along with his parents Eileen and Bill – 07/09/2014 and 06/20/2019. It is our intentions that Billy will be transferred to Massachusetts and laid to rest at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery with his parents in West Roxbury at a later date to be determined.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Cj Mar 27, 2020 at 8:11 am

    My condolences to you all.

  2. Barry Martin Mar 27, 2020 at 9:13 am

    Good man great heart I will miss my brother

  3. Kim Misner Mar 27, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    Heartbroken.

  4. Glen Wahlers Mar 27, 2020 at 3:32 pm

    Yes, he was our Boston Bill down here at Environmental Concrete, we loved him Like a brother , his big red smile, heart of gold., helping everyone, everyday he was here . Bill was truly one of the Best in a front discharge redi-mix truck. . God Bless you My Friend.

  5. Nita Ricca Mar 27, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    Lisa and Laura. So sorry for your loss of your baby brother. I remember him as a happy, young fearless boy riding his bike down Sterling St. He used to scare me half to death. May he Rest In Peace with your mom and dad.
    The Ricca’s

  6. Laura DeShiro (RileY Mar 28, 2020 at 5:04 am

    It’s been exactly 1 week since 2 uniformed police officers walked down my walkway and informed me that my little brother passed away in his sleep that night. I was in shock and total disbelief because the past few months were not like the other times. Billy finally had that natural glow back in his eyes and was genuinely happy and at peace with the way his life was heading.

    I am completely blown away with comments from Billy’s friends/family/coworkers, etc. and how he affected their lives.
    Billy made everyone laugh and it came naturally to him to make others happy. Billy had the biggest heart and I now know just how much this past week has made me see and understand that just one person saying one thing or doing one thing can ultimately change or re-direct someones life in a positive way. Billy was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

    There is an invisible and gentle current in each one of our lives that can peacefully carry us to happiness and heaven. It is always there for us, whenever we want to let go and trust the way. Even in what might appear as the worst of times, that stream is flowing and can carry us to all things blessed.

    The world is truly a darker place without Billy in it. I miss and love you so much my little brother,

  7. Vera Willis Mar 29, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Condolences to you and your family Lisa. So sorry for your loss.

  8. Stephen Tuten Mar 29, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Love u Bill .Miss u so much guy.
    U made me laugh so much.Always loved picking u up for meetings.We joked around so much.Bill you used to tell me you looked up to me and I helped you so much by being there and offering rides to meetings but the truth is your rides always kept me busy and out of trouble and heading in right direction cuz we were going to a meeting whenever you called. You helped me more than I ever helped you just know that I love you brother.Your friend Steve I will carry the torch and continue to touch people’s lives like you touched mine.U were such a smartass and wiseguy…

  9. Jennifer Dudley Mar 30, 2020 at 1:56 am

    I am so sorry for your loss 💔 I am stikl in shock. I will always cherish the memories we shared ❤️ I pray for comfort and strength through this time…..

  10. Ryan Goodhart Apr 3, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    I only new Billy for a couple months we meet at Narcotics Anonymous meetings and a short time there after were coworkers..in this short time I amazed at the bond he created between us it seems any person he came in contact with he had this affect on.. Billy you will always have a place in my thoughts.. “GUY”…..💗

  11. Nicole Frendt Apr 5, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Bill was such an important role in my recovery. He helped me get to meetings when I first got clean. Actually he was one of the first people I met. I will always hold him in my heart and never forget all the laughs and serious talks we had. I love you Bill. Fly high

  12. Lee Apr 5, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    I will Miss You Forever and you’ll always be on my Mind and in my Heart. Happy Birthday Billy

  13. Nicole Sprague Apr 17, 2020 at 8:18 am

    I cant even begin to say how wonderful these words are for his life. I am beyond myself to explain the sorrow and pain. Lifelong addiction can be tiring and i know hes doing well now in heaven.

  14. Rose Nash Apr 17, 2020 at 1:31 pm

    My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family in this time of need.. Her worked with my son for a few months trying to keep his head up and stay strong with his sobriety. I only got to met him a couple time.but he found a friend that he could always talk to my son.now you can walk through them golden Gates a new man with you’re head held high. R.I.P Billy you will be sadly missed .

  15. Rose Nash Apr 17, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    trying to keep his head up and stay strong with his sobriety. I only got to met him a couple time.but he found a friend that he could always talk to my son.now you can walk through them golden Gates a new man with you’re head held high. R.I.P Billy you will be sadly missed .

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