CeleBratinG 100 Years On DeWeY AVenue Five Generations on Dewey Avenue e Aquinas Institute has always been more than just a school—it is a community, a legacy, and a beacon of hope. As we celebrate 100 years on Dewey Avenue, families like the Rileys remind us that Aquinas’ impact spans generations, weaving together tradition, values, and an indomitable spirit. e Riley family’s extraordinary ve-generation legacy is one of many that illustrate what makes Aquinas truly unique: the lasting connections it fosters among students, families, and the greater community. 6 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2025 FIRST GENERATION Thomas F. Riley ’26 SECOND GENERATION (Children) Thomas P. Riley ’56 Gregory J. Riley ’59 Michael F. Riley ’61 David J. Riley ’70 THIRD GENERATION (Grandchildren) Michael L. Riley ’82 David N. Riley ’95 FOURTH GENERATION (Great Grandchildren) Danielle Riley LaFave ’94 FIFTH GENERATION (Great Great Grandchildren) Judah M. Williams ’23 Ava L. Williams ’28 THE RILEY FAMILY THOMAS F. RILEY ’26 JUDAH M. WILLIAMS ’23 A Family Legacy Rooted in Leadership and Loyalty The Riley family’s connection to Aquinas began with Thomas F. Riley, a member of the first graduating class on Dewey Avenue in 1926. As class president, he embodied the qualities of leadership and perseverance that have become synonymous with the Aquinas experience. Despite Thomas’ physical challenges as one of Rochester’s earliest polio survivors, the elder Riley never missed a sporting event, passing down a love for community and a commitment to excellence. Tom P. Riley ’56 and Greg J. Riley ‘59 followed in their father’s footsteps by serving as AQ class presidents, excelling in academics, and sharing a passion for athletics, continuing their careers at Princeton University. Mike F. Riley ‘61 went on to the U.S. Naval Academy and David J. Riley ’70 to Colgate. Reflecting on his time at Aquinas, Tom shared that the Basilian Fathers and Sisters of St. Joseph instilled discipline and a lifelong appreciation for “Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” These values, he noted, remain central to the school’s mission today. Time will change physical appearances, but the discipline — the theory of being in class when the bell rings, being held accountable — is everlasting. More Than a School—A Lifelong Community The Rileys’ story is not just about their family; it’s about the many families who have passed through Aquinas’ halls. Tom remarked on the unique loyalty that binds Aquinas alumni across decades and geographies. This connection starts not at graduation, but the moment a student walks through the doors for the first time as a sixth grader. Tom explained that Aquinas builds more than students; it builds a sense of belonging and purpose that spans generations. Generations United by Faith, Discipline, and Education From the first Riley graduate to today’s fifth generation of AQ students, the family’s commitment to Aquinas has only grown stronger. Together, Tom and his three brothers (Greg ’59, Michael ’61, and David ’70) decided to pool their resources to make a significant gift to the school’s athletic department, a nod to the role sports have played in their lives, and the lives of many. “Without hesitation, we all agreed,” Tom said. “Athletics at Aquinas meant so much to all of us, and we wanted to give back.” A Beacon on Dewey Avenue As Aquinas celebrates its centennial on Dewey Avenue, it remains, in Tom’s words, “an institutional unifying light in the Maplewood neighborhood.” The school’s presence is a testament to its role as a city school and an anchor of quality education. “AQ is a benchmark for our community,” Tom emphasized. “It’s critical that it continues to serve as a beacon of hope and an educational anchor in the Rochester community.” Celebrating 100 Years of Tradition The story of the Rileys is but one chapter in the larger narrative of Aquinas’ history. As we mark 100 years on Dewey Avenue, we honor the countless families who have made Aquinas their own, carrying forward the Basilian mission of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. From the Basilian Fathers who shaped its foundation to the students who will define its future, Aquinas continues to be a place where community, tradition, and faith thrive.
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