Melissa K. Riley

Melissa Kathleen Riley passed away suddenly on July 22, 2024, at the age of 56. A loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Melissa was born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, on January 19, 1968. She spent her early years in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, moving as a young teen with her family to Rockaway, New Jersey.

Melissa spent much of her adult life in Morris County, New Jersey, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Seton Hall University and a Certificate in Technical and Scientific Communication from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Her early career included technical writing positions for Bell Communications, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and NJIT, and later as an analyst for Verizon. Most recently, she was a resident of Audubon, New Jersey.

In addition to being a lifelong learner, Melissa had a passion for animals, art, and nature. She was dedicated to helping animals who needed assistance and was an advocate of adoption. She enjoyed travelling; her happiest memories were the times she spent with friends and family at the beach. She was a foodie that enjoyed experiencing a variety of cuisines during her travels. Melissa loved to help others, donating both time and money to those charities closest to her heart, including shelters for homeless animals and organizations supporting the military and their families.

Above all, Melissa cherished time with family. She was predeceased by her father, Ed, her mother, Kathy, and her older brother, Scott. She is lovingly survived by her brother, Chris (Emily); her sisters, Terri (Chris) and Tracey; her niece and nephews, Conor, Luke, Catherine, and Jackson.

Melissa was kind, thoughtful and compassionate, and will be remembered most of all for her love of her family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Melissa’s memory to her favorite charity, Soldier’s Angels by clicking this link , where she served as an Angel Volunteer.

Funeral service and burial arrangements are under the care and direction of LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory and will be held privately.