StoryCorps
Danny’s sister Alicia interviewed Frank (their “Poppy”) for StoryCorps, and an excerpt was recently aired on NPR in Chicago. It includes some of Danny’s story.
DESCRIPTION
Francis Riley (71) talks to his daughter Alicia Riley (29) and wife Margaret Riley (67) about his childhood, his time as a priest, and about dealing with the death of his son Daniel.
SUBJECT LOG / TIME CODE
Francis (Frank) Riley talks about growing up in a large family in Philadelphia.
Frank talks about his father's business and memories of his mother. He also talks about his brothers being sick with pneumonia.
Frank talks about his decision to join the seminary and about going to Rome to study theology.
Frank talks about his time in Rome and how it influenced his political ideas, particularly his opposition to US intervention in the Vietnam War.
Frank talks about going to California after Rome and working on a housing project on the US-Mexico border.
Frank talks about meeting activist Cesar Chavez through his work on the border. He also talks about starting the Centro de Asuntos Migratorios, an advocacy organization for undocumented immigrants.
Frank talks about his decision to leave the priesthood and about meeting his wife Margaret after making this decision.
Margaret (Maggie) relates the conversation she and Frank had at dinner when he told her he would no longer be a priest.
Frank talks about finding out he would be a father. He sings a song he used to sing to daughter Alicia when she was a child.
Frank talks about his second child Daniel. He talks about the day he learned that Daniel had brain cancer. He remembers Daniel as a musician and leader who was positive.
Frank talks about his hopes for Alicia and offers parenting advice.
Frank shares advice for great-grandchildren and future generations. Frank says he would like to be remembered as someone who tried. He also talks about wanting wife Maggie to be calm and focus on things that give her life meaning.
PARTICIPANTS
Francis Riley (b. 1943)
Alicia Riley (b. 1985)
Margaret Baker (b. 1947)
RECORDING LOCATION
Chicago Cultural Center
