From: Sheila Molino
I first met Cliff at Charles T Myers. I think it was probably 2018 at the start of the fall programming season. This was my first volunteer assignment as a newly trained Level I coach.
We got off to a questionable start. Cliff was always diligent about sending emails to participants’ families and to his coaches each week before class. I didn’t yet know that, but had been told to expect an email from Cliff about class. Well, that never arrived, but I wasn’t concerned.
So the first day of the season arrived and it was raining buckets all day. I waited and waited for notification that class had been cancelled, but nothing came. I drove to the course and found it closed, so I called Brittnay to check on the status of class, which she confirmed was cancelled. I drove home wondering what I’d signed up for!
The following week I arrived and got to meet Cliff. Reta was there and we’d gone through Level I training together so that let me know I was going to enjoy volunteering. Cliff was apologetic in his humble way about the email address mixup and then we were off to the business of getting ready for the class. One thing he always did was talk with his volunteers about what he wanted them to do during class. Being my first time, I really just wanted to observe and though I don’t recall what he asked, I’m sure he took it easy on me. As I continued, he encouraged me, like all his volunteers, to take on more and more active roles in the intro, class activities and wrap up.
From that first class, Cliff’s love of children and First Tee poured out. He knew the participants’ names from the first time he met them. He gave encouragement generously and offered suggestions sparingly. He had a gift for allowing each child to find their swing and making them feel special. And that extended to all the coaches and volunteers who worked alongside him.
I recall a particular participant who was in several seasons the three of us, Cliff, Reta and I coached. Leia, is a sweet young lady who usually came with her grandfather. Cliff enjoyed talking with her grandfather and Leia’s dad as much as he enjoyed teaching the children. Leia had a pink shafted putter she called the pink panther. Cliff brought out the best in that delightful young lady, not only encouraging her to develop her golf skills, but helping her embrace First Tee’s core values and become participant of the year.
Cliff was generous with his time given to the participants. He frequently played rounds with them at CTM. Two of his prodigies include Ella Couper and Kaylee Nguyen. In addition to playing many rounds of golf with these young ladies, he helped develop their leadership skills as they became youth coaches in his classes. What a joy it was to watch these two smart, accomplished golfers grow into confident leaders with their own style of coaching influenced by Cliff’s gentle,encouraging approach.
He was a man I admire greatly because of his calm and always joyful demeanor. I never saw Cliff become frustrated or angry. Each encounter he greeted me with a smile and a handshake. Whatever the challenge he devised a solution without drama. And I never heard him utter an unkind word about another person.
He enjoyed being around the folks of First Tee and got Darren involved as well. Darren was gracious to donate time at Top Golf so coaches and participants could gather in the off season for camaraderie and some friendly competition. He was naturally someone who attracted people to gather and enjoy each other’s friendship.
Charles T Myers will forever be synonymous with Cliff in my memories of him. Greeting coaches as we arrive for class,heading to the par three with the participants or heading to the first tee for a quick 9 before class or a slow 18 when we didn’t have class. Each hole holds memories of something said or a shot hit or putt made. I’ll forever see him there with his green Spartans golf bag, hand extended and smiling face.
He was one of a kind and yet one we need more to be more like. I still cannot believe he has left this earth, but he will not leave our hearts.
Thank you Cliff for the joy and the gifts you brought our lives. You will be dearly missed as you are truly loved for the beautiful person you were.
From: Kevin Wiley
Our family was small growing up. Besides my immediate family of amazing parents and an older sibling, I always looked forward to seeing my other small family: A grandmother and grandfather that set the foundation for us and were everything to me and whom I looked up to. A few incredibly sweet aunts. One of which was our backbone, and a couple cousins I absolutely adored an hour away. I don’t remember too much of my other small family in Houston as a little kid, but until pre-teens that all changed. I became impressed with how my uncle, who I didn’t really know too much of yet besides pictures and stories, made it a point to be present in our lives. Whether it was always writing to us, calling us, or going out of his way to visit us in California, my heart started to fill with love towards this newer family. It felt amazing to feel as though my family wasn’t so small after all. How cool it was that I could proudly boast to my friends and classmates that I had awesome relatives in Texas. Then the connection kept growing. Once cousin Darren got his driver’s license and moved to New Mexico state for college, he continued that loving tradition of making sure to visit us all the time and keep in touch. I was in awe. How can someone growing up so far away and a handful of years apart in age, be so alike. I loved it when uncle Cliff brought along cousin Heather, nothing but joy to be around her sweetness and loving positivity. I cherished the great times with my fellow birthday twin aunt Denise, I knew how special it was to be in her presence since someone had to hold down the fort while uncle Cliff was in town. I saw why she was the love of your life. To my fellow sports fanatic uncle, I can never thank you enough for not only your love and care for me, but for extending that love to 3 more beautiful souls in our life.
I will never forget the hospitality you showed when visiting Charlotte, “y’all” made me feel as though all that mattered that week, were us Wiley’s. Oh, and that trail by your house! Such beautiful views as the seasons changed in October.
One of my fondest memories of us will always be that night we spent New Year’s Eve together at the bar watching your beloved Michigan State. It was endless laughs, talking nonstop about sports, your family, and filling you in on life now that I had a lot more to share in my twenties. Something I never thought would happen, a Sparty football game became background noise rather than a huge bowl game that was must viewing. We hit the pool tables and threw darts while indulging in your favorite beer while in town, that smooth 805.
I can’t stop wondering about the St. Patty’s trip I had to cancel just a few days before when this pandemic hit. I was looking forward to painting the Las Vegas strip green with you and Darren, and so eager to make up for that lost time and go even bigger once the world settled down a bit. Instead, I will affectionately look back on the many memories we created together.
Until we meet again with a big ol’ family reunion up above. I know Grammy and Grampa are proud of you. I love you uncle Cliff, I will always miss you.
Your nephew,
Kevin
From: Kaylee Nguyen
Coach Cliff was one of the best people to be around. His personality was one that you couldn’t help but like. I’m really glad that he was my coach and that I got to know him. He has changed my life for the better, both in the real world and in golf. One of the most memorable moments that I had with him was when I believe I was testing to pass the birdie level of the First Tee. I had not passed the full swing test during class, and I wanted to practice afterward to work on it when Coach Cliff offered to help me. He took his time to help me with certain things to help me perform better. Before I knew it, I had met the requirements to pass the test, and right then and there Coach told me in a joyful tone that I had passed the test! I am not really the expressive type when it comes to joyful moments, but I was really grateful to Coach at that time, but honestly I’m grateful for all the moments I had with him when he would teach me something new. He didn’t give up on me, not one bit. I have him to give credit to when it comes to how my golf game has progressed ever since I started playing. We really became a family during those 6 precious years that we had together. To be honest, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he is gone now. I still see that person who I grew up with during my time with the First Tee. One of my brightest memories was when he gave me an Albert Einstein tongue stick out. He made it easy to smile and laugh when he was around. As a young adult who is starting to volunteer more for the First Tee, I hope that I can keep his legacy as a successful coach who didn’t falter in changing his students’ lives for the better. He has taught me so much, so to Coach, the words that I couldn’t speak to you, thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being an amazing person. Thank you for teaching me all that you could. Thank you for all the joyful memories and golf rounds that we had together. Without you, my family and I wouldn’t have gotten to know your son, Coach Darren, who is just as bright as you are and has become a great part of our lives as well. I hope that you lived a life that you didn’t regret, and got to do the things that you wanted to do. I’m sad that I can’t spend more moments with you, but always remember that I am up for a round whenever you want. Get ready to play and may you rest in peace!
With love, your forever student,
Kaylee Nguyen
From: Nancy Wiley (sister)
I am lucky to have such a nice older brother all my life, especially growing up in Detroit. I always looked forward to your California visits as you brought me so much joy to catch up with how our families were doing and the great times we shared together as kids. I am proud of the family man you are to your wonderful wife Denise and 2 amazing children... my sweet niece Heather, and pleasantly loving nephew Darren. I will always picture my brother in a nice hawaiin shirt full of love. I love you and miss you forever Cliff.
Your baby sister,
Nancy
From: Marvin Chiddick
So fortunate to have been great friends with Cliff. Spartan Brotherhood till the very end. We were together Halloween day 2021 for one of our many MSU game watch events. Will never forget Cliff. I was walking out of Top Golf CLT in September 2021 after a practice session and he chased me down just to have a hug out and say hi. That’s more than a hi. He was so happy to see me and he must have known I would be so happy to see him. Sometimes a hug means more than a hug. I will honor his legacy as a Spartan and a friend to always say hi. Go Green!! Cliff will give me the appropriate response when I see him in heaven.
Marvin
From: Chris Graham
My memories of Sir Cliff
If I could put a ditto under Cara Capuano's sentiments, I would indeed. At First Tee/Charles T Myers, I too learned what a great man Cliff was--not just a great golf coach and mentor. I never had the privilege of playing a true round with him, but our walks with the First Tee participants around the 3-hole short course at CT Myers provided me with laughs, wisdom, and friendship. I was unemployed for much of my time with First Tee, and Cliff offered to help me find a job! We emailed several times on that front alone.
I count it among my many blessings to have worked with and gotten to know Cliff. That dry sense of humor was hilarious, as he and I had a lot of "give and take" regarding Michigan State's always beating my team (University of Virginia) in basketball. He and Jim Skibbens (another great compatriot of ours at CT Myers) were an absolute pleasure and blessing to be around, especially in our interactions with the young folks in First Tee.
In summary: Cliff rocked, and I am a better man for knowing him.
Chris Graham
From: Carolyn Nelford (Sister)
Always the big brother watching out for and having endless patience with his two sisters. Always the peacemaker and eager to help. No unkind words spoken, looked for the best in others. Always appreciative. Stoic in handling life’s many challenges. Other than his love for his family and his love of golf, his love of the ocean, Atlantic or Pacific, was profound and provided him great joy, solace and renewal.
Devoted husband, father, friend, son, brother. His virtues outweighed any vices. A good, good man.
Greatly loved by his nieces and nephews who all have wonderful memories of times shared with him.
His little great niece Daly loved her Uncle Cliff and especially their times together at miniature golf and is proud of the “Hole in One Certificate” he made just for her and the special First Tee hat he gave her.
Carolyn
From: Terry Sellers
Memories of days gone by:
I meet Cliff in 1993 he was the VP Human Resources at Goodman Manufacturing Company, I was the agent for property insurance at Goodman. We found a common bond “golf”. His family was number one and golf was a close 2nd. I was invited to play in the Goodman employee outings something Cliff arranged always on a Saturday.
We played golf frequently, and many times our best outing was determined by the number of golf balls we found😊
It wasn’t long until Darren joined us. It became a tradition that we play golf every Thanksgiving Day no exception. That commitment resulted in playing on a freezing windy day. Cliff kept Darren wrapped in a quilt until it was his shot.. I don’t know if it was Darren’s first hole in one or not, it was perfect, one bounce then into the hole.
Many years and many more memories.
God bless everyone.
Terry Sellers
From: Cara Capuano
When I first started to volunteer with The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, it didn't take me long to recognize which of the "seasoned coaches" I wanted to be paired with to work with the kids. There are certain volunteers who have an incredible knack for both relating beautifully to young people and seamlessly teaching the game and our First Tee core values together. For me, Cliff will always be at the top of that list. I learned so much from watching him in those early days, picking up all of his fantastic tips and absorbing his superb coaching style. Soon, we weren't paired together anymore - the master had taught another pupil, and it was time for me to demonstrate what I had learned from him to the next "newer" volunteers who were paired with me. Thank you, Cliff. You helped to make me a better teacher.
I'll never forget the first time I was invited to play golf with Cliff. With our "coaching hats" off, this time we were just players enjoying each other's company in a foursome that typically featured other First Tee coaches. Or were we? Because every treasured occasion that I enjoyed the absolute pleasure of playing golf with Cliff, he would slide in tiny tips to help improve my game during the round. He had such a gift for patience, observation, and knowing just what to say to coach each person in a way that we'd understand. Thank you, Cliff. You helped to make me a better golfer.As our friendship grew over the years, what I came to appreciate most about Cliff was his genuine interest and care for people. It showed up every single time we were in the same space together. He always asked about how I was doing and followed up with pointed questions - doing so with concentrated eye contact and authentic interest. When Cliff talked to you, he really engaged you in the conversation. Early on, I watched him do that with the young people of the First Tee... then I was lucky to be on the receiving end of that special level of kindness and connection. Thank you, Cliff. You helped to make me a better communicator.
Being Cliff's friend helped to make me a better person. I'll never forget his unique lessons, and I'll always be grateful for the time we spent together.
*******
Final thought - the photo galleries are truly marvelous. This website absolutely captures the stated goal of a "Celebration of his life." Really well done, Darren. Thank you for taking the time to share it with all of us.
By the way, I never knew your Dad was such a striking brunette! Nor did I know you were such a TOWHEAD as a baby! Little blondie! And there are some shots of your Dad's younger days, with his longer hair and stylin' clothes, that really brought a smile to my face.
If there's anything else I can do from afar to help you through this sad and trying time, please let me know.
You and your family are in my heart -
Cara
From: Joe Domanski
Cliff will always be remembered as a positive force. A kind person
who treated everyone equally well.
He was/is a particularly good person. He is charming and raises the spirit level of those
around him. Probably a testament to his upbringing.. his parents as well.
He is a great loss.. to all of us who knew him.
I was deeply touched at his passing.
All my Love..
j
He is in Heavens care..
I know it.
From: Mary Domanski
I revisited the works of Henry David Thoreau. Recently and was struck / remembered the following Quotes.
First in reference to Denise & Cliff's marriage as an admirer of their relationship I was moved by-
"I love you not as something private and personal, which is my own, but as something universal and worthy of love, which I have found."
The revisit to Thoreau's works - and central theme of 'Walden style ' is the joy of a simple life. Thoreau states that despite living in society, man should retain individuality, and he emphasizes the importance of joy and satisfaction.
I went to the woods because I wish to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. Surely, Cliff had been to those woods at some point in hie life, and deliberately in the focus and success of his family, his professional life , and satisfaction during retirement life and his love of golf / nature.
I hope you enjoyed the thoughts.
From: Chuck Guerriero
I met Cliff Reilly for the first time at CT Meyers golf course in the summer of 2016 shortly after I moved here from Washington DC. I was randomly paired with him and another gentleman for a round of golf. Writing this now I realize I'd only known Cliff for 5 years, somehow it seems so much longer, but that was Cliff's gift once you met him he made you feel like you'd known him forever.
Anyway while we were playing in between the where are you from and the are you working or retired he started recruiting me for the First Tee program. I remember telling him that my youngest daughter had been involved in the program when she lived in Buffalo and that just elevated his recruiting level even higher. After the round he asked if I'd like to come observe a session, to be honest at that moment volunteering was not a high priority. I had just moved here and was really just getting to know the area but Cliff persisted. "Give me your phone number and I'll text you the information" no obligation. Of course once he had my number it was just a matter of time before he got me to come down. The rest as they say is history. I don't know if I would have ever had a relationship with him had I not given him that phone number, but to my everlasting good fortune I did.
While Cliff and my time together exclusively revolved around golf our relationship did not. For those of you who don't play spending 4 hours once or twice weekly with someone give you a lot of time to really get to know them as people. I quickly discovered that in addition to being contemporaries age wise we shared very similar views about life in general. Oh and we both really really loved sports of almost any kind. Didn't matter if it was football ,basketball, baseball or of course golf if it was happening we were talking about it. This of course included his beloved alma mater the Michigan State Spartans.
Whenever we were scheduled to play I'd be anticipating rehashing whatever game or games had just been played or news had been broken as much as I did to the actual golf we were going to play. Whatever had happened I knew Cliff would be prepared to talk about it with me. While I never got to formally meet his wife or daughter, I did briefly say hello to his son Darren, I feel like I had as he'd share stories with me as we played. He loved his family and loved talking about them.
So the man, who I met by accident, over those five years became my friend. And now my friend is gone. I'm still having difficulty processing that fact. There is a part of me who still expects to see a text or email on Saturday or Sunday " Where we playing Tuesday", "are we walking or riding". I miss my kind gentle friend and I always will.
Chuck
From: Jim Skibbens
Cliff was a great golf partner, and more importantly ... a great friend! I truly enjoyed Cliff's company, insights, level-headed perspectives, sometimes dry sense of humor, love for coaching, passion and love of the game of golf, and his love of fellowship. I always looked forward to our 18 hole rounds together, and even more ... the beers afterward to just catch-up on the day's round, family, and anything else that was on our minds. Cliff helped me to become a better Coach and person.
I met Cliff approx. 10 years ago, when I became the First Tee Site Director at Charles T. Myers GC. Cliff soon became my Assistant Site Director, and very quickly ... we were Co-Site Directors. Working at the First Tee, we normally evaluated the kids and volunteers on their knowledge of the Core Values (e.g., integrity, honesty, sportsmanship, etc.) ... and Cliff was the consummate leader, as he lived and exhibited those values each and every day. Cliff loved leading, teaching, and supporting the kids. He always wanted the kids to be their best and successful, as both kids and adults. He truly cared for his fellow coaches, volunteers and the kids. Cliff set a high bar every day for each of us to follow and, he made me, the volunteers and the kids all better for it. When I first got to know Cliff ... and even later on in our relationship, Cliff never liked being hugged ... not by me or the other guys. I didn't care ... much to Cliff's dismay/embarrassment ... as I hugged him every time I saw him. I know he appreciated those hugs, and I am so sad to lose such a good friend, but I celebrate his life. He will be truly missed.
Cliff was also very focused on safety for everyone, but especially the kids. At our Sites, we had only ONE mishap ... Cliff told his group "all clubs down" after the game was played. Cliff went about 10 yards in front of his group to pick-up some balls, talk to the kids, and make some game adjustments. To Cliff's complete surprise, a 5 year old boy decided that he would "help" Cliff by hitting some balls towards Cliff ... and one of them hit Cliff in the shin. Cliff was fine, but that shot brought Cliff to his knees. Cliff took advantage of the opportunity to make this a "teaching moment" for his kids ... but I believe he spoke to them with clenched teeth, and maybe a few tears. Cliff and I joked quite a bit afterward about "staying far behind the kids at all times" ... as he limped around for a couple of days.
Commitment ... Cliff was "all in", regarding the First Tee and his other endeavors. I remember meeting with Cliff, Darren and Bruce on numerous occasions (e.g., lunches, rounds of golf, etc.) to discuss how we could make our First Tee Sites more supportive, productive, and FUN for the kids. Cliff always had good insights and ideas ... and he set a very high bar for us all ...
I also want to "echo" Bruce's comments about the week in Calabash, NC. It was not the best weather ... but we had a great time together! I'll always treasure that time (and many other outings) spent with Cliff. Cliff was truly a good soul with a big heart!
From: Bruce Pietrangelo
I met Cliff for the first time as a coach for the First Tee. He had a quiet passion for the game and was a shining example of the 9 core values he tried to instill in the kids he met who came through the program.
As I grew to know him better I Iearned that he loved his Michigan State Spartans and was one of their most loyal fans. His Michigan State Driver was his best club in his bag and he always hit it long and straight down the middle of the fairway.
Cliff always enjoyed sharing a brew and fellowship after a round and loved to compete with a friendly wager or two.
He never lost the desire to improve and was always tinkering with something new in that regards...especially his thorn in his side short game...⛳
One last thing on a personal note on a story of Cliff I wanted to share:
Jim Skibbins and I got a chance to play golf with Cliff last month when he drove all day in the pouring rain to Calabash NC when it looked like there was no way it was going to happen due to the weather forecast. Unbeknownst to us he brought with him a trophy from his stash that was for the winner of our 3 day event and called it "The Calabash Open". The next day our round at Rivers Edge got rained out but we did manage 4 hours of practice at Top Golf thanks to Cliff and his VIP membership. Because of all the practice we were all primed and ready to go the second day at Shaftsbury Glen but unfortunately we got rained out again that morning. So it was back to Top Golf again for more practice. By that time it was looking like The Calabash Open was going to get rained out. By noon the sun finally came out and we were finally able to get in our first 9 holes that afternoon back at Shaftsbury Glen and the match was on. After 9 holes it was a pretty even match with our handicaps. After watching a Panthers win on Thursday night football and a good dinner it was on to our final day of golf. We started the day with 18 holes at Myrtle Beach National and after 18 holes I had a slight lead over Jim with Cliff finishing in 3rd. We all agreed that we needed to go back to Shaftsbury Glen for a final 9 to finish the tournament. So off we went for one last chance for one of us to capture the Cliff's "Calabash Open Trophy". As it turned out Jim wasn't having a good day, Cliff's short game took the day off and I was able to hang on for the Trophy. I have it sitting in my golf room for now but it was meant to be played for again similar to the British Open or Ryder Cup. Maybe we can play for it again some day in Cliff's memory. That would be nice.
Sentiments from family and friends
If you would like to share your life experiences, thoughts or stories about Cliff, please email Darren @ drpgacoach@gmail.com