Steven Reiley

Steven Douglas Reiley age 74, of Kalamazoo, MI died on August 16, 2023. He was born July 7, 1949, in Kalamazoo, the son of Orville and Joyce (Fonner) Reiley.  Steven was a 1967 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School.  He attended Western Michigan University for two years, then transferred to the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a Masters Degree in String Performance.  He majored in Double Bass and minored in Cello. Steven was the Assistant Principal Double Bassist in the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra from 1974-1981.  He toured with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and was honored to be included on a recording featuring the DSO.

In November of 1978, Steven opened Guarneri House with Philip Greenberg where he shared his gifts as a Master Bass and Bow Maker. Many of his Basses and Bows are being played by concert artists in major Symphony Orchestras.  At last count, Steven had made 42 basses and about 100 bows.  In 1990, Steven and Paula became the sole owners of the business.  They ran it together until 2014, when they retired and turned the keys over to their son, Aaron. Steven was a member of the International Society of Double Bassists, where he served on the board.  He was also a member of the Violin Society of America.

On August 29, 1969, Steven married Paula Thompson.  When he was asked when he was married his reply was always “August 29 was the happiest day of my life”. They remained “Best Friends” for 54 years.   His passion was music, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.  Steven was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen Bach and his brother Michael Reiley.  He is survived by his wife, Paula Reiley.  His children: Shawn (David) Felicijan, Terrisa Reiley and Aaron (Linda Marie) Reiley.  His grandchildren:  Abbagail (Nick) Zoerhof, Samantha (Oryan) Wetherington, Damon Cronk, Donovan Reiley (Caleb Lounsbery), Luke Reiley, Lindsay Felicijan, Morgan Cypher, Matthew Cypher and Kellie Felicijan.  His brother Phillip (Susan) Reiley, brother-in-law James Bach, sister-in-law Susan Reiley and his nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 pm on Friday, August 25th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI  49009.  A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Gilson Cemetery in Scotts MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent, in the name of Steven Reiley, to the “International Society of Double Bassists” for the “Luthier Scholarship Fund” to help aspiring bass and bow makers.  For donation information please visit their website

International Society of Bassists - Welcome (isbworldoffice.com)

Please visit Steven's personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com