Lawrence D. “Larry” Riley of Provincetown died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Nov. 4, 2020, at Seashore Point Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Provincetown. He was 81.
Provincetown has lost a good man, an intelligent observer of life, who offered caring and long-term friendship with delightfully wry humor, a genuinely welcoming demeanor, and piercingly beautiful light blue eyes.
During his recent illness, he had to spend time in Cape Cod Hospital and various rehabilitation facilities, but he fervently wanted to be back again in Provincetown with his friends. He achieved that.
Born and educated in Norwalk, Conn., he was the son of the late Jeannette (Perra) Riley Fitzpatrick and L. Donald Riley. Larry served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961 and was stationed in New York at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, not an easy medal to earn while living in New York City when you are in your 20s.
He went on to the University of Hartford, where he earned a B.A. in English in 1966.
Upon moving to Provincetown, Larry both directed and acted with the Provincetown Theater. His entrepreneurial skills, antique knowledge, and artistic jewelry creations were evident in a number of his endeavors. He managed the Handcrafter in Whaler’s Wharf, specializing in unique jewelry, then started his own business, the 444 Shop Ltd., which specialized in antiques and art.
Most recently, he worked summers for the Municipal Parking Lot. He was a fixture, enjoying his role as a friendly, knowledgeable authority for tourists and locals over the years.
Larry is survived by his aunt Eleanor (Perra) and husband Henry Simpatico of Bennington, Vt.; his uncle Arthur and wife Marylou Perra of Gloucester, Va.; his sisters, Laureen Riley Feinman of Aiken, S.C., and Loy Dona Riley of Charlton; his brother Neal and wife Mary Riley of Millbury; his nieces, Shawna Riley Feinman Lombardo, husband Anthony, and their five children, of Mansfield; and Lani K. Riley of Plymouth; his nephew, Neal J. Riley of Watertown; many first cousins across the country, and his beloved dog, Guido.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring when prudent public health practice allows in-person gatherings again.
To place an online condolence message visit gatelyfuneralservice.com.
