Charlotte County is saying goodbye to a man who spent his life in two worlds at once. Mike Riley, founder of the rock band The Boogie Men and a longtime educator in Charlotte County Schools, passed away Tuesday. He was 62.
Riley started The Boogie Men in the 1990s, and over the years the band became a fixture at charity events across the Suncoast. Fundraisers in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and beyond all benefited from his willingness to show up and play. In the classroom, he mentored students for decades, and his bandmates say multiple generations of Charlotte County kids will grow up remembering him.
After his passing, The Boogie Men announced they’re changing their name to Legacy. Fellow musicians say they plan to carry on the music and continue supporting the community and local kids. Riley performed on stage just two weeks before his death. Celebration of life services are being arranged in both Charlotte County and Ohio.
Did you ever see The Boogie Men play around town, or have Mr. Riley as a teacher? Share your memory with us in the comments.
