Mary Riley

Mary (nee Ianni) Riley

Mary M. Riley was born Maria Magdelana Ianni to her parents Emidio and Domenica Ianni on April 23, 1931 joining her two older sisters, Rose and Gina, and soon followed by two younger sisters, Vincy and Clara ~ The “Ianni Sisters”. Her life, laid out for her by God in whom she placed her deep faith, was devoted to her family. Her happiest days were ones spent with her children and grandchildren, a visit from a sister, a niece or nephew. Like her mother Domenica, to everyone she was a cheerleader and supporter, non judgemental and accepting. Mary gave strength and guidance to those in need and was always there with an open door and an outstretched hand.

Mary was at one time the highest ranking female employee at US Steel Lorain Works, planning the production of tons of high grade steel pipe for the world. She counted among her many friends, Toni Morrison, known in Lorain then as Chloe Wofford. It was Chloe who encouraged Mary, shy by nature, to give the commencement speech for the 1949 Lorain High School graduating class. Starting with her own children back in simpler times and continuing with the grandchildren, Mary was great at creating adventures and fun, playing cards and games ~ the grandchildren would kid her about always winning ~ cooking for the family and so much more. Mary was a beauty inside and out. We will all miss her so.

Mary passed away on June 13, 2025. She joined her beloved parents, Emidio and Domenica Ianni and older sisters, Rose Naelitz and Gina Atanasoff. She is survived by her three children, Patrick (Angela) Riley, Jeanne Tishma, and Kevin Riley and grandchildren Brandell' (Jesse) Koeth, Joseph (Kate) Riley, John (Rachel) Riley, Erin (Nick) Basilius, Robert (Elaina) Tishma and Madeleine (Rickie) Riley and great grandchildren Everett, Jude, Lia, Clare, Bennett, Thomas and Clark, cherished younger sisters Vincy Nagy and Clara James; her dear nieces with whom she spent their childhood here in Lorain ~ Annette Corrao, Kathy Shadley and Athena Scrofano, cousin Jean Marie "Jibby" Latona, nephews Daniel Naelitz and Matthew James and so many more beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her dear friends Dotty Menne and Terry Barth are loved and appreciated beyond words. Special thanks to each and every dear friend and caregiver who offered love to our mother. It meant the world. To all she leaves behind she says, “Amore mio, Maria.”

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at 9:45 AM at the funeral home on Friday, June 20, 2025 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Dr., Amherst, OH with Fr. Timothy J. O’Connor officiating. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. Donations in Mary’s name may be made online to Catholic Charities Cleveland Diocese https://www.ccdocle.org/support-us/donate-online. Online donations may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.