Harry "Buzzie" Douglas Riley, 77, of the Bronx, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2026. He was born on August 25, 1948, in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late Harry H. Riley and Mary Elizabeth Green Riley Williams.

Harry was raised in the Sunnyside Community of Orangeburg, where he spent his formative years and established roots that remained an important part of his life. He attended Orangeburg schools and was a proud graduate of Wilkinson High School.

In 1967, Harry answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. His service reflected the dedication, discipline, and sense of responsibility that would characterize his life.

Following his military service, Harry made New York City his home, settling in Concourse Village in the Bronx, where he resided for more than 50 years. Concourse Village became much more than an address—it became his community and the place where he and his wife, Neechie, built a life together, raised their family, and created decades of cherished memories.

Harry built a distinguished career as an electrician with the New York City Transit Authority (MTA). He dedicated 38 years of service to New York City's transit system before retiring. His commitment and contributions were recognized with an Exemplary Service Award, reflecting the pride, skill, and dedication he brought to his work. Harry was also a proud member of Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU Local 100).

On September 4, 1970, Harry married Neechie Mintz, beginning a loving union that would span nearly 56 years and remain steadfast until his passing. Together, they raised their two daughters, Servanti Riley of Columbia, South Carolina, and Nechari Riley of the Bronx, New York. His wife and daughters were at the center of the life he built, and his love and devotion to his family remained constant throughout his life.

Harry was a man of strong convictions who believed in standing up for what was right. Outside of his professional life, he was a civil rights activist who lent his voice to the pursuit of justice and equality. His willingness to speak up for what he believed reflected both the strength of his character and his deep concern for his community and others.

That spirit of community was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. From his balcony in Concourse Village, Harry would play his percussion instruments in the evenings to welcome home first responders and essential workers. It was a simple but memorable expression of gratitude, encouragement, and the community spirit that was so much a part of who he was.

Those fortunate enough to know Harry will also remember the unmistakable personality behind his many accomplishments. Harry loved to sing, and his voice became a familiar and treasured part of gatherings with family and friends. And anyone who called Harry knew there was a good chance the conversation would begin with his signature greeting: "Speak!" It was unmistakably Buzzie—a simple word delivered in a way that was uniquely his and that will continue to bring smiles to those who loved him.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry H. Riley and Mary Elizabeth Green Riley Williams; his grandmother, Lunette Young; his brothers, Donald Green and Leonard Riley; and his beloved brother-in-law, Col. Terry L. Mintz.

Harry's legacy lives on through his loving family. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Neechie M. Riley; his daughters, Servanti Riley and Nechari Riley; his sisters-in-law, Gwen (Robert) Sweeney, Cynthia (Utaff) Gordon, Doris Mintz, and Angela (Terry) Mintz; and his nieces and nephews, Lorena Riley, Leonard Riley Jr., Maurice Young, Terrance Riley, April Riley, Chris Riley, Dion Riley, Ajmal Gordon, and Abir (Harry) Gordon. He also leaves a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, neighbors, former coworkers, union brothers and sisters, and the many others whose lives he touched.

Harry "Buzzie" Douglas Riley lived a life defined by service, conviction, community, and love. He served his country as a United States Navy veteran, served the people of New York through 38 years of dedicated work with the MTA, stood for civil rights and equality, and remained devoted above all else to the family he loved.

Though his earthly voice has been silenced, those who knew Buzzie will still hear it—in the songs he loved to sing, in the stories that will continue to be told, and in that unmistakable greeting that was entirely his:

"Speak!"

His presence will be deeply missed, his life will be proudly remembered, and his legacy will live on in the family and community he loved.