WOODROW WILSON RILEY, III, age 55 affectionately known as "Woody," passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on August 26, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Woody is survived by Cindy O'Neal-Riley (nee Olesinski), his loving wife and partner of 32 years; his son, Wilson Kyle Riley; and his stepsons, Billy Robert O'Neal III and Maxwell Benjamin O'Neal.

He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Wilson Riley Jr.; his mother, Linda Riley (nee Hershey); father-in-law Ronald Olesinski and his sister-in-law, Helen Olesinski (nee Chizmar).

Woody is also survived by his half-siblings, Shelly Rushing (nee Riley), Carl Riley (Tana), Jessica Brooner (nee Riley), Kenny Riley, and Kevin Brown (Tracy); his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Warren Olesinski, Darlinda Bobek (Donald), Ronald Jay Olesinski (Ellen), and Glen Olesinski (Emily); and his uncle and aunts, Randall Riley, Terry Reilly (Sean), and Margret Riley, whose late husband was Michael. He was a beloved uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle to many, and he leaves behind countless cousins and cherished lifelong friends.

Woody is a graduate of Nordonia high school, class of 1989 and attended Cuyahoga Valley Career Center where he studied Auto Body. Following high school, he joined the United States Navy where he was a helicopter mechanic and crewman. He had many fond memories and stories of his adventures in all those life experiences.

Woody loved anything with an engine - especially motorcycles, boats, trains, and cars. He was friends of 47 motorcycle club. He eagerly anticipated the Pontiac Nationals and other racing events each year. He enjoyed the excitement of racing and admiring extraordinary vehicles, but what he treasured most was spending time and sharing stories with fellow enthusiasts. He also drove the semi-truck for Nordonia High School Marching Band to football games & competitions.

Some of Woody's happiest memories were made with his family. Their annual traditions included tubing on the Mohican River and camping and boating at West Branch State Park. He loved to travel, most recently visiting Hawaii with Cindy to celebrate their anniversary.

Exceptionally gifted with all things mechanical, Woody could fix just about anything. Cindy affectionately called him "Fonzie" because he could often give a broken item a simple tap and, somehow, have it working again within moments.

Woody worked for several companies in the cement industry, beginning with Allega. There he drove a cement mixer and later became a dispatcher. He also spent several years working for Norfolk Southern as a carman. 

Woody was also known as the “Mayor” due to the amount of people that knew and loved him. He will be remembered for always being there to lend a hand to family, friends & strangers. His remarkable sharp witted "gift of gab," his ability to make friends everywhere he went, the stories he shared, and the laughter and joy he brought to those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. The stories of his life and legacy will bring smiles, laughter and comfort for many years to come. 

Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS, where funeral services will be celebrated on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. MEMORIAL VISITATION FROM 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5.

Woody will be interred at Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery in Northfield following his funeral services. Following his interment, the celebration of Woody’s life will continue at The Basement Bar and Grill, 480 West Aurora Rd. (OH RT 82), Sagamore Hills.