St. Bonaventure community mourns loss of beloved friar

OLEAN, N.Y. (WROC) – A beloved friar within the Saint Bonaventure University community has died.

The university confirmed Fr. Dan Riley, OFM, died Wednesday at 81 years old.

Fr. Dan was a Rochester-area native from the suburb of Charlotte. He graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1964 with a degree in philosophy. Fr. Dan was a Franciscan friar for nearly 60 years and a priest for 53 years. In 1984, he founded Mount Irenaeus, St. Bonaventure’s retreat home in West Clarksville.

In part of a release, a spokesperson for the university writes, “For more than 50 years, Fr. Dan’s words, actions and legendary laugh left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of Bonaventure students.”

St. Bonaventure University’s president, Dr. Jeff Gingerich, released the following statement on Fr. Dan’s passing:

I write to you tonight with a heavy heart.

Father Dan Riley, OFM, founder and animator of Mt. Irenaeus and one of the most beloved friars in the history of the university, passed away today (Wednesday, July 24, 2024). He was 81 years old.

A professed friar for 58 years and a priest for 53 years, Father Dan was a 1964 graduate of St. Bonaventure. Aside from two provincial assignments in the mid-1970s, he spent his entire career at the university (1971-1974; 1978-2024).

In my two years at St. Bonaventure, I have been overwhelmed with so many stories about the impact that Father Dan had on so many students and members of our community. His boundless passion for life, his ability to see the good in everything, was something I’ll always admire.

I’m so grateful we were able to honor him at our Commencement ceremony in 2023 with an honorary degree, an award he so richly deserved.

We will share details about services for Father Dan when they become available.

I ask you all to please keep Father Dan’s family, friends and friar brothers in your thoughts and prayers.

Pax et bonum,

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.

As the university’s president mentions, services for Fr. Dan will be announced at a future date.

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