aka “GL /ill real”

George Leon Riley, II, 47, of Washington, PA, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024. He was born June 11, 1976, in Washington, PA the son of the late George Leon Riley, Sr. and Barbara Riley of Washington. GL spent his life in Washington where he was known as a sports enthusiast, a dog breeder, and a minister. GL attended Trinity High School where he excelled in football.

After graduation from Trinity, GL attended Cheyney University, the first historically Black university established in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. While at Cheyney, GL pursued his early interest in theater, and graduated in 1995 with a degree in Theater Arts and Black Studies. GL performed in plays throughout the Tri-State area. In addition to acting in plays he learned about stage productions. He felt most at home when performing. In the crowd, he was the one dancing, singing, and rapping. He enjoyed creating videos with his mother, Barbara and his son, Brian “Beeps” Thomas Riley. (You can view GL’s productions on social media.)

GL had other interests outside of the theater. Family and young people were extremely important to GL. When he stepped away from playing semiprofessional football with various teams including the West Virginia Gladiators, he turned his attention to the younger children and became a football coach and mentor. Since it was important to him that no child felt left behind, GL became a football coach and mentor to local area youth. It was also during this time in his life that GL attended and graduated from the Shiloh Baptist Bible Institute of Washington. He served under Reverend Brian Cherry of First Baptist Church of Clarksville, Pennsylvania.

GL was taught to love the Lord and to love his neighbor. He was willing to help anyone who needed help no matter who they were. Some might say that GL used his skills and training to become a “street preacher” to those who may not have had a church home. Many of his peers often gravitated to GL’s non judging spirit for encouragement during their challenging times. Up to his last days, GL continued to minister to others even to those who were unable to recognize his mission. GL will be missed by his friends, especially Eric J. Barfield, Kenderley McMillan, Tara Gatling, and William “Bill” Smith Jr.

On January 12, 2024, GL left this earthly plane. The outpouring of love following his untimely passing has been a source of comfort to the family.

GL leaves to grieve his passing, his devoted mother, Barbara J. Comedy Riley; his brother, Gerald M. Comedy, Sr.; his uncles, Edward Comedy (Maxine), Alan V. Comedy; his aunt, Kathleen Comedy Mann; his son, Brian “Beeps” Thomas Riley; his great- aunt, Jean Comedy Preston; several nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins. GL was preceded in death by his cousin, Azure Dee Comedy.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at E. Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director. Additional visitation will held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. the hour of a funeral service in the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 16 Ridge Ave Washington, PA. The Rev. Lowell Wright will officiate and Bishop Arthur E. Doctor, Jr. will eulogize Mr. Riley. Interment will be private. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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