Robert “Bob” Rilley, 87, of Washington Township, died unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. He was born Nov. 13, 1934, the 11th child of Eva and Thomas Rilley. He married Mary Ann Brozowski in 1959.
Growing up on the east side of Detroit is where his love of sports began, playing in the streets and in community leagues with lifelong friends Gordie Clark and Denny White. He attended St. Charles Catholic Church and began altar boy service at age 5 (where he recalled that part of his job was to knock on the priest’s door to wake him up before service). Bob attended St. Charles High School where he excelled at four sports, earning all-state in recognition in football.
Bob was drafted into the Army and served two years at Fort Hood before returning to Michigan, marrying Mary Ann in 1959 and beginning his teaching and coaching career at Benedictine High School in Detroit. In 1965, Bob began his tenure in Utica Community Schools where he served in many roles including teacher, elementary school principal, opening Magahay and Ebeling elementaries schools, district athletic director and assistant superintendent for curriculum before retiring in 1996 (though he continued to step into various roles in Utica and Romeo as needed.)
In addition to his career as an educator, Bob also served his community as an elected official for many years on the Romeo Board of Education, Washington Township Board of Trustees and Washington Township Planning Commission.
He also volunteered with the local youth basketball and baseball leagues and served as a board member of the Four County Foundation and the Gerald C Friend Memorial Trust.
Bob spent his life serving others and took great pride in the accomplishment of others and especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren be successful in their endeavors, on and off the athletic fields.
During the latter part of his career, he enjoyed traveling to learn about educational programs throughout the world, including Lithuania, Russia, Japan, Australia, China and Korea. He also enjoyed spending summers with family and friends in Bay View, Michigan. Family, friends, and co-workers knew they could always rely on Bob, and he will be profoundly missed.
He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years Mary Ann (née Brozowski); his children, Robert (Amy), Michael (Mary), Elizabeth and David (Jill); grandchildren, Jonathan (Lisa), Nicholas, Andrew (Sabrina), Michael (Kelsey), Matthew, Mark, Christopher, Sam and Elise; great-grandchildren, Carson, Aaron, Rebecca, Ella, Asher, the late River, Maddie, and Everett; sisters-in-laws, Patricia (Richard) Brozowski and Patricia (Robert) Brozowski; and many, many nieces and nephews.
Visitation 1-8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13, with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road, Utica.
Instate 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 14 until the time of the funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 343 South Main Street, Romeo.
Interment will take place following mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Washington Township.
Memorials appreciated to the Gerald C. Friend Memorial Trust, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, Michigan. Please share a memory at SullivanFuneralDirectors.com
