Provincetown has lost a very good man, an interesting and intelligent observer of life, and a unique friend offering caring and long-term friendship with his delightfully wry humor, genuinely welcoming demeanor and piercingly beautiful light blue eyes. Lawrence D. "Larry" Riley of Provincetown died Wednesday, November 4th at Seashore Point Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Provincetown, at 81 years of age. During his recent illness, he fervently wanted to be back again in Provincetown with his friends, and he achieved that.
Born and educated in Norwalk Connecticut, he was the son of the late Jeannette (Perra) Riley Fitzpatrick and L. Donald Riley. Larry served in the US Navy from 1957 to 1961, and was stationed in New York at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, not a medal easy to earn while living in New York City when you are in your twenties. From there, he went on to the University of Hartford where he was awarded a BA in English in 1966.
Upon moving to Provincetown, Larry was very active in theater circles, where he had both directed and acted with the Provincetown Theatre. Larry's entrepreneurial skills, antique knowledge and artistic jewelry creations were evident in a number of endeavors he undertook over the years. He managed The Handcrafter in Whaler's Wharf, specializing in unique jewelry, then started his own business, the 444 Shop Ltd., which specialized in antiques and art. Most recently he worked summers for the Municipal Parking Lot. He was a fixture, enjoying serving as a friendly, knowledgeable authority for tourists and locals over the years. Larry was a well-known part of the community in Provincetown.
Larry is survived by his aunt Eleanor (Perra) and Henry Simpatico of Bennington VT; his uncle Arthur and Marylou Perra of Gloucester VA; his sisters Laureen Riley Feinman of Aiken SC, and Loy Dona Riley of Charleton MA; his brother Neal and Mary Riley of Millbury MA; his nieces Shawna Riley Feinman Lombardo (Anthony) and their five children of Mansfield MA, and Lani K Riley of Plymouth MA; his nephew Neal J Riley of Watertown MA ; many first cousins across the country, and his beloved dog Guido.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring when prudent health public health practices allow in person gatherings again.
'A man's friendships are one of the best measures of his worth'
Charles Darwin