Caroline “Carol” RILEY, 85, of Wellsville, NY, and longtime resident of New Berlin, NY, passed away at home on June 19, 2026. 

Born November 20, 1940, in White Plains, she was the daughter of Thomas and Anna Luise O’Connor. Carol grew up in Plainfield, NJ, where she attended Plainfield High School before attending Wachung Hills Regional High School during her senior year, graduating in 1958. During her time in school, she was active in cheerleading and proudly served as captain during her senior year, a role that perfectly matched her energy, leadership, and spirited personality. Even then, she had no problem telling people where to stand and how to do things properly, a skill she carried into adulthood with great enthusiasm. 

After high school, Carol lived a life defined by hard work, creativity, and community service. She held many roles which included waitress, cashier, and eventually a small‑business owner when she opened and operated “The Hobby House” in New Berlin. Her dedication to her community led her into public service and she proudly served as the Mayor of the Village of New Berlin from 1993 -- 2009, becoming only the second woman ever elected to that office.  After stepping down from the rigorous role of mayor, she continued serving on the village board as a trustee. Carol never did anything halfway. If she was in, she was in all the way. 

Faith was a cornerstone of Carol’s life. For nearly 40 years, she was an active and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of New Berlin, where she taught Sunday School, found purpose, friendship, and spiritual grounding. She loved her church family, and the fellowship she found with them. 

Carol enjoyed crafts, antiques, time with friends, being surrounded by family, and a good steak and king crab legs. In her last months, she found joy and comfort in the companionship of her beloved bulldogs, Roo, Meya, and Remy, her “grand dogs,” as she called them, who adored her from the moment she moved in with her son Bruce and his wife Michelynne. They took their job of watching over her very seriously, especially if she was eating a snack. Carol was known to “sneak them a bite” when she thought no one was looking. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Howard Bruce Riley, who was the absolute love of her life; her daughter, Karen Buttram; and her sister, Joan Waldron. 

Carol is survived by her children, Michael Najim (Amy) of Honolulu, Hawaii, Julie Alafa of Visalia, CA, and Bruce Riley (Michelynne) of Wellsville; her siblings, Marjorie McKeever (Dalton) of Dade City, FL, Ruth Marko (Bill) of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Fran Oldehoff of Belvidere, NJ; and her “bonus son,” Scott Taylor of Morris, NY, Bruce’s best friend, who was absolutely everything a son could be to her. Also surviving are: several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and extended family who loved her dearly. In her final months, Carol was cared for at home by her son, Bruce and daughter‑in‑law Michelynne, surrounded by them and the dogs who never left her side. Her legacy is one of resilience, service, faith, humor, and deep love for the people around her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations on behalf of Carol may be made to the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin, NY. 

Service details and memorial information will be announced on a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.