Claude Monroe Riley Ii

Claude Monroe Riley II at age 74 went home to be with Jesus on March 29, 2023, after battling brain cancer for 15 ½ months. Claude was surrounded by his local family when he passed. He was born April 13, 1948, in Akron, Ohio. Anyone who knew Claude knew he was comfortable in a black tie and tuxedo or black leathers on his motorcycle and anything in between. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Patty. Claude has three daughters, Robyn, Elisa and Stephanie and a father-like relationship with Patty’s goddaughter, Linda. He has eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Claude is preceded in death by his parents Claude Monroe Riley and Thelma Slater Riley, his siblings Bill, Johnnie, Jean, Pat, Eddie and Jimmy, his sister Helen (Hanna) is his only surviving sibling.

Claude had a heart of gold and a true gentleman. He spoiled Patty rotten and would do anything for anybody. This included running out in the middle of a meal to help his daughter when her car broke down or wait on a bridge and explain that his son-in-law didn’t jump in the river to law enforcement to encouraging the little people in his life to try new things and never be afraid to try something new. Claude loved his family and strived to instill good manners to those most impressionable. If you misbehaved at table, you’d get the “Claude eye” and knew it was time to straighten up.

Claude is a co-founder of the Art League of Leland (ALL) with two other amazing ladies, Barb Hubbard and Candace Whitlock. ALL is celebrating its 5th anniversary in April. His other passions included performing multimedia functions at North Pointe Community Church, graphic design, digital retouching and vintage photo restoration. Claude was an amazing acrylic artist as well as photographer. Claude loved all the arts. He introduced anyone he could to the Ballet, Symphony and Opera.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at North Pointe Community Church, 4490 Gordon Rd, Wilmington NC 28405 on Sunday April 16, 2023, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following organizations on Claude’s behalf.

Art League of Leland
PO Box 755
Leland, NC 28451

North Pointe Community Church
4490 Gordon Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405

Lower Cape Fear Life Care
1414 Physicians Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401

Aquamation Services have been entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation.