When strangers become friends

An act of vandalism inspires a celebrity band, business, students, and pint-size entrepreneurs

(Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff)

If she ever doubts the impact of her late brother's life, Jennifer Foley has only to recall the kindness of others.

"This is what he was all about," Foley said of her brother, Greg "Chickenman" Riley. "When there's a wrong, right it. Pay it forward. His spirit is so completely alive in everyone he knew."

Also, apparently, in those he didn't know.

The town of Dedham honored his memory in 2006 by naming a playground after him. Last fall, the elaborate, engraved sign bearing his name was stolen.

This act of vandalism, however, set off a chain of events that brought together people who had never met one another, or Riley, but felt bound to get involved and honor him once more.

Greg Riley (no one can remember how he got his nickname) was an accomplished hockey player, golfer, fisherman, and music lover. He had overcome personal problems as a young adult, and often volunteered at My Brother's Keeper in Easton, which delivers food and furniture to needy families.

"He was always giggling about something," his sister recalled. "He was such a magnetic personality that people, especially children, were constantly drawn to him."

On May 11, 2004, a Dedham High School student made a left turn in front of Riley, catching the tailpipe of Riley's Harley as he tried to avoid the crash. Riley died from his injuries the next day at age 39.

One of his close friends was Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys. After Riley's death, the Irish rock band launched its "Remember the Chickenman" campaign, which has drawn international attention with thousands of bumper stickers and T-shirts surfacing here and abroad.

Riley's family formed a charitable foundation and in four years has raised more than $80,000 for various causes, including My Brother's Keeper.

They also contributed $30,000 toward a playground to be named in Riley's memory. Combined with a $70,000 federal grant, their donation led to the opening of the Gregory M. Riley Playground at Paul Park in October 2006.

A year later, though, the sign disappeared.

"One day we got a phone call that it was gone," said Chuck DelloIacono, chairman of Dedham's Parks and Recreation Commission. "Who in their right mind would steal a memorial sign? It breaks your heart."

Almost immediately, the wheels started turning.

Pat Smith, manager of BJ's Warehouse in Dedham (and a huge Dropkick Murphys fan), and his wife, Michelle, set out to do something. The Stoughton couple decided to donate several hundred dollars in cash and materials to replace the sign.

Once word of the plan reached Michelle Smith's students at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Bourne, Chris Cantalupo, who has since graduated, and current junior Anthony Tarantino - both woodworkers - volunteered to make it.

School officials allowed the project on school time as a worthy learning experience.

"It was great to see them take pride in their work," Michelle Smith said. "It means so much to the family and to the town of Dedham. It was the right thing to do and it teaches kids the right thing to do, as well."

Upper Cape Superintendent of Schools Kevin Farr agreed: "Students are here to get an education, but they are also here to discover themselves."

Earlier this summer, a pair of young Dedham brothers looking to earn a little cash decided to open a lemonade stand. But as 7-year-old Jack Linari explored entrepreneurship, he surprised his parents when they asked him what the money could go for, other than toys.

He said, "Let's do it for the sign," recalled his parents, Monica and Scott Linari. Four-year-old brother Eric agreed.

"I was surprised, because they're kids who like to save pennies for their own piggy banks," their mother said.

The Linari boys live near the playground and play there often. It didn't matter that they never knew Riley, their parents said.

After weeks of selling 25- and 50-cent cups of "Jack and Eric's Pirate Lemonade" this summer at the playground and the Dedham Farmers Market, they handed $237 to the town this month. The money paid for the granite footings to anchor the sign.

"For Jack and Eric, it was big fun while taking in many real-life lessons," said their father. "One great experience for all."

A boy of few words, Jack said the summer venture was "fun" and made him feel "good."

The volunteers were crucial, since the town had no money in the budget for a new sign, said Bob Stanley, assistant superintendent of Dedham parks.

"So it's nice for the community, and the Riley family, to know that all these people stepped up to the plate," Stanley said.

In the Dropkick Murphys' Web dedication to Riley, they say: "Okay, so what do you do when your best friend dies and you are at a loss? You try to keep his memory alive as best as you can." Then came the anthem, "Your Spirit Lives."

Now his family calls on the power of memory and philanthropy to do the same. His image, forever young, beckons from photos on the foundation's Web pages (www.chickenmangolf.com), evoking reminiscences from his sister.

"If you could just hear the laugh behind that smile," she said. "He could have been anyone's son or nephew. He was in a good place in his life" before the accident. As she gathered thoughts to describe her brother, Foley fought emotion.

"It's just too deep to sum up in a sound bite," she said eventually. "He is just an unforgettable guy."

Michele Morgan Bolton can be reached at mmbolton1@verizon.net.