CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — The community is remembering a local musician and educator who left a lasting mark on the people around him.
Mike Riley, the founder of Charlotte County rock band “The Boogie Men,” passed away Tuesday, and those who knew him say his impact will not be forgotten.
Riley formed the band in the 90s, and the group went on to perform at hundreds of charity events.
Ken Giunta, owner of Ace Drums, reflected on what it was like sharing the stage with Riley.
“Every night was a new experience. It was a lot of fun, very exciting and we always had a lot of great shows together,” Giunta said.
Beyond music, Riley spent decades working at Charlotte County Schools as an educator and mentor.
Chris Corridino, founder of Carnival of Soul, said Riley’s influence reached multiple generations.
“The beauty is that he was an inspiration to young children, you know. So there’s a couple generations that are going to grow up remembering him,” Corridino said.
Corridino also remembered one of Riley’s last performances, which took place just two weeks ago.
“He still got up next to me on the stage and we sang, we laughed, we cried. He told stories and it was probably a moment I’ll never forget,” Corridino said.
Following Riley’s passing, The Boogie Men changed their name to “Legacy” in his honor.
“I’m gonna miss him. Bad,” Corridino said.
Giunta added that the band plans to keep the music going.
“We’re all going to miss him and we’re going to carry on the music and do everything that we could to support the community and also the music for the kids,” Giunta said.
Riley’s family is working on arranging celebration of life services in Charlotte County and in his hometown in Ohio.