Kenneth A. Riley, Sr.

Kenneth Riley, 71, passed away November 27, 2021 at Hospice of Cincinnati surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 12, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of I.C. Riley and Geneva Ingram. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a young age at Second Trinity Baptist Church. Kenny attended Withrow High School where he graduated in 1968. He also attended the University of Cincinnati. In 1991 after saving 2 children from a burning building, he was honored locally and at the State level. For this act of heroism, he was awarded the key to the city of Cincinnati. This was just a testament to the selfless, caring, and courageous man that everyone knew him to be. Kenny worked as a self-employed painting contractor. His painting is what led him to Hillcrest Elderly Apartments, where he worked as a ground’s keeper for 17 years. Hillcrest was more than just a job to him. He viewed his coworkers and the residents as family. He loved Hillcrest so much that he self-appointed himself to many roles such as on-site security, social worker, and professional debater just to name a few. He loved sports and was a talented athlete. After graduating from high school, Kenny played semi-pro football with the Black Panthers from 1969-1974. He never missed a beat when it came to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always showing up to basketball and football games. He played an instrumental role in assisting his daughter with earning a collegiate basketball scholarship. His only advice would be “make sure you do your pushups”. Kenny leaves to cherish in his memory: his loving wife of 36 years, Lisa DuBose-Riley; his children: Carolyn, Kenneth Jr., Dion (Leslie), Ayesha, and Asia; siblings: Milton, Catherine, Shirley, Lee (Sherry), and Ernest; grandchildren, Denishia, Chantell, Shalia, Quintin, Tanae, Spencer, Chaquay, Keniesha, Kamara, Zaria, ZaKyra, and Jaida; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, I.C. Riley and Geneva Ingram; and 11 brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at St. Mark A.M.E Zion Church, 9208 Daly Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. Interment: Landmark Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to KINLEY Funeral Home and Arrangement Center.