A LOVED and respected member of Barnsley’s entertainment community has died aged 70.
Singer and comedian Steve Riley raised thousands for charity in more than half a century touring the town’s clubs and pubs.
He died at his home in Dodworth last Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.
Steve’s uncle, Dave Cherry, paid tribute to his friend and fellow performer.
The two worked together in Dave’s musical ‘The Old Club Trip’, which in three showings at The Lamproom raised £24,500 for Barnsley Hospice.
Dave said: “I made a film about his life in 2013, to celebrate 50 years in show business.
“I have just put it on Facebook, and just look at the comments.
“He was a legend.”
Starting out in the entertainment business at the age of 14, Steve was the vocalist in The Beat Five, from Athersley.
He then went solo in the 1970s, often topping the bill at Butlin’s venues and seaside theatres.
Even though he became ill in his last 18 months, he continued to help partner Judy, a charity worker at the Dodworth Barnsley Hospice donation centre.
Steve leaves two sons Steven and Richard with their wives Nicola and Debbie and grandchildren Danielle, Georgia, Billie and Sonny.
The funeral takes place on Tuesday, at Barnsley Crematorium.
