Hernando Rios Obituary
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Your Daughter's Best Friend
October 29, 2015
you should be glad up there and very proud of your daughter because she is an intelligent, beautiful, and amazing girl
kei tor
October 3, 2015
Gone but never forgotten my friend. I pray your family is well. See you in heaven. You probably snapping at me right now!!
Charlie Gili
April 10, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Rios Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
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John Le'Que
August 8, 2012
7 years ago today, but it will always feel like yesterday. I miss you my brother. RIP
April 13, 2012
RIP brother. From us navy FmF hospital corpsman 3/8 marines.
Peggy Childers
August 8, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Hernando Rios:
Please accept my remembrance of Hernando on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 8, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Hernando Rios:
Remembering Hernando on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
John LeQue
May 31, 2010
Hernando Rios;
Hernando and I trained and went to Iraq together. He was my room mate and wonderful friend. He was always full of joy, very kind, and proud to talk about his children and the love he shared for them. Hernando was a very special person and will be missed by many. He was truly a hero in every sense of the word and will remain in my heart and memory for as long as I live. I miss you my brother.
marlene rios
May 27, 2010
i do miss my daddy. im 13 now and memorial day is comming up , even though its painful not having him here with me and my sister and mother hes in a better place now.
Peggy Childers
August 8, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Hernando Rios:
Hernando gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
In Memory of Hernando ~ (Debra Estep)
August 8, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Hernando, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Esther Kabalkin
September 23, 2007
To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at [email protected]
August 7, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Chrissy Barr
August 8, 2006
Hernando Rios and Anthony Kalladeen are in our thoughts often and so are their family and friends.
May peace replace your heartache. I hope it helps to know that many feel your sorrow and stand with you in your time of need.
Garnet Jenkins
August 7, 2006
Remembering this Young Hero, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Service and Dedication to our Country and our Freedom.
Rest well Pfc. Hernando Rios and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and comfort, continue to be with the Rios family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.
Those we love remain with us,
for love itself lives on...
And cherished memories never fade,
Because a loved one's gone....
Those we love can never be,
more than a thought apart....
For as long as there is memory,
They'll live on in the heart.
May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 5, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Kimberly Gomez
July 4, 2006
Hernando, so much time has past since you've been gone, yet you're memory stays alive in our hearts and minds. Me and Sidney think and talk about you all the time, and my parents remember you all the time, we all always bring up how you would drive us nuts and always brang laughter, mischief, and of course smiles to our home.
**You will never be forgotten**
Rest in peace Gor
Christie Barr
May 30, 2006
I was with my brother Sgt. Dan Barr all weekend. Hernando Rios and Anthony Kalladeen were in our thoughts all weekend long. I truly hope all his friends and family are doing well.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 26, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Rios family in the loss of Hernando. I did not know Hernando, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Hernando it is coming up on 7 months since you were taken. I was touched by your unselfish kindness. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Jeffrey Beaubouef
February 20, 2006
I was priviledge to train up in colorado and deploy to Iraq with Herdando. I spoke with him at the PX two days before his death, He was eating fried chicken and telling stories about all the funny things that had happened since we arrived in Iraq. He kept us laughing during the long boring hours in Kuiwat before we flew into Iraq. He was a very special person and I am better for having known him....Rest in peace my brother..
william khostovan
November 15, 2005
I am so sorry Hernando, I wish I hadnt convinced you to join the army, instead of telling you my opinion, i should have told you to continue with the comercial driving. I feel so guilty, I cant sleep, I feel I caused your death. I love you hernando, and I will miss you.
Keith Brown
September 17, 2005
May GOD keep and make you stronger in the coming days. It will get easier with faith in and prayers to GOD. I know of the pain in your loss, but remember the good days and cherish each one as if it was the first. Love each other as he loved you and never forget.
Marlene Rios
September 8, 2005
Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Please visit the photo gallery and see my son in his glorious days. Please keep him alive in your hearts. Thank you.
Joel Solorzano
September 8, 2005
Hernando Rios, words cannot describe after learning what happened. You are truly a good friend, Kind to those who seeked advice, cheerful to those who were down, humorous to those surrounding your world to light up their souls. Hernando is a great young man, a man that cared and loved, a neighbor who defended his fellow neigbors, and now that hernando has gone to join our heavenly father, may Hernando be remembered for the good he has done, and as a loving family man he is, Gor? It was an honor and pleasure of being your friend, and your neighbor, you will be missed and you will be in every single hearts of those that were in your world. May you rest in peace, and soon we'll all see you again, and we will chill in heaven the same way we chilled here on Earth, God bless you my spiritual brother.
To the Rios Family, On behalf of my family, as well as my young family, Aillen, Steven and myself, we send our condolences, Hernando was a great man and still is, Just know that he was and still is loved by everyone in woodside and abroad. Prayers have been placed and continue to be placed, God Bless the Rios family.
Marlene Rios
September 7, 2005
The family of Hernando Rios is grateful for your beautiful words of sympathy and condolence. Help keep his memory alive! Gracias.
September 7, 2005
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Christie Barr
September 7, 2005
To Hernando's family. My family has thought about Hernando everyday since we have learned of this. My brother Daniel Barr was in his vehicle. He has said Hernando and Anthony were very special people. I am sorry for your lose and will keep you in my thoughts for a very long time.
Washington Hago
September 1, 2005
Hernando Rios my brother from another mother. We've been playing together since first grade. Damn Gor you are Definitely leaving behind a hole in all of our lives. I want to send my deepest Condolences to your family. All I have is great memories from Hernando (GOR short for Gorgeous ;like you use to say my %$#@* lol ) (Gordito )my brother.
Thanks for always looking out for me. I will do my best to take care of your fam like you did for me. I know we can never repay all you did for us We are all so proud of you. You actually did it brother. I will miss you and you will never be forgotten. You will always be a Hero.
Hernando is truly Champion Breed.
The best of the best.
Washington Hago
aka Chooch thanks for that name Gor!
Love you my Brother.
.
Al Simmons
September 1, 2005
Hey Mr. Hernando, u don't know me, my name is Al i'm a class mate of 1 of your cousins (Ivette) as she asked all to send out our Prayers to u. I've done it and i'm doing it always. Remember this God sees all and hears all. Psalms 34:15
" The eyes of the lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to the cries". Be blessed and b safe.
Everitt Speros
September 1, 2005
To the Rios Family,
I was deployed with Hernando, we drilled together in New York, trained together in Colorado and fought together in Iraq. I love Hernando so much and he brought joy and humor into our lives. He spoke constantly of his family, his brothers, his wife and especially his daughters. I want to thank you for sharing him with us, my life will never be the same after getting to know such a fine man.
Rhett Speros
Baghdad 1/69th Infantry
Jose Pena
August 30, 2005
Hernando Rios, son,brother,husband, father & friend. We who have the pleasure of knowing you, remember you. We have laughed with you, cried with you, even argued with you. You are in a place that has no walls, no borders, no restrictions; we trust you are at peace. Your memory will live on in all of us, because of who you are. The prankster, the loyal friend and loving son &brother.
We will miss the things you say and the sense of humor that was your own. Please do not remember Henando when he was angry, or sad, or indifferent, as we all can be. Instead, remember Hernando as I do, funny, caring and most of all full of joy.
Let’s remember the good times because his memory deserves that. Remember Hernando for all the things that made him human. We hear that life is short, and we grieve for the loses we endure. Let us all apriciate life that much more. Let us rejoice today and take comfort in knowing that Hernando is not with us today, not for selfish reasons, but rather as a result of his bravery and extra ordinary character, as a man and as a solider.
We who grew up with Hernando know that each of us is different in our own way, but we all know that we will never be the same in his absence.
Doña Marlene, your son is loved as you can see, I can never feel what you feel as a mother, and never understand the void you now have. Please understand that we will always love Hernando. We all here today and in the neighborhood are here to serve you.
As we share these moments with Hernando, let us all be as brave as he was. Let us all show the compassion and empathy Hernando had in our own lives. Let us not argue and fight, let us not begrudge our fellow man. Most of all, let us all honor Hernando’s memory by smiling and caring for each other. Gor, I miss you now and always, may God keep you close to his heart, as we on earth shall forever. God bless your friends and family. Until we meet again, rest in eternal bliss.
Ramon Germosen
August 30, 2005
This is Hernando's brother. I would like to say that you will never be forgotten and I will honor what you did for this country and your family. You will be truly missed and it was an honor to serve as your pallbearer in your funeral. I will miss your conversations over the phone and your emails that you were sending me from Iraq but everything will always be kept as a memory. Everyone loves and your kids will be taken care as best as we can. God Bless you bro and I love you.
chris voity
August 30, 2005
Hernando,you were like my brother and I'm going to miss you.You were strong,kind,funny and most of all loyal and I'm honored to have known you.The courage and bravery the world has heard about you is the same we've known your whole life.You were a great soldier and even better friend.You will always be in my heart,your memory and spirit will last forever.God bless you and your family.
Rest in peace my brother GOR.
Chris Voity
Linda Hajabed
August 27, 2005
Babes, Alyssa and I will miss you, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for giving me this beautiful daughter. You will always have a place in my heart. I hope you rest in peace and watch over us.
We Will Always Love You
Alyssa Rios & Linda Hajabed
August 27, 2005
Pedro Germosen
August 26, 2005
This is Hernando's younger brother Pedro. Hernando I just want to let you know that you will never be forgotten and be truly missed. I will always remember the fun times. It's just a shame that we can not be together now. I will make sure that your kids will have great memories of you as I did. I know you are in a better place now and are watching over us everyday. You will always be remembered as the hero that you are.
Love Always Your Brother,
Officer Pedro Germosen
Hampton Police Dept.
Eileen and Bill Jeker
August 25, 2005
Our sincere deepest condolences are extended to the family of another fallen hero from two very grateful Americans. Hernando, may you rest in peace.
oscar lugo
August 22, 2005
it is sad to hear that someone that i knew has passed away in iraq...condsolaces to the families and all those who knew him, we lost a valuable member to our beloved neighborhood
Keila T
August 22, 2005
I am a friend from the block way back when we were kids. He always had a joke and I still laugh at those jokes today. Rest In Peace friend and may God protect you and your family.
Hernando - March 2005
Carmen D.
August 22, 2005
Nando, the world is proud of you. You are a true hero. You sacrificed your life for many. Your memory will live forever. You are loved.
JAMES ALPHONSO
August 22, 2005
Having only known Hernando for a short period of time. His memory will live on forever in my mind as I am sure he had had that impact on many people. I will never forget the humor he brought to any situation. I loved his quick witty one-liners. I trained along side Hernando during his train-up for Iraq in Colorado. One day during normal conversation during training he learned of that myself and my seven year old son loved the New York Yankees and my son especially like Derek Jeter. That night he gave me a few picures from Yankee stadium and a ticket stub from the game he attended a few days before deployment. Of course my son went crasy over the (real as he put it) picture of Derek Jeter. Thanks for the memories We will surely miss you
Craig Macy
August 21, 2005
I was in Iraq with Hernando. I was shot on the 30th of May and am stateside now. I was hart broken to hear the news of my wise cracking buddy.I think about our short time togather in Colorado and in Iraq wishing like everyone else who knew him that I could have some more time with my friend. Just eating chow with him could change your day. Everything could just get "better" in the few mins it took to eat chow. Our world will miss Hernando, and the good he brought to everyone.
August 21, 2005
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
2Timothy 4-7
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
May you find comfort in these words.
My prayers are with you.
Jorge Ortiz
August 19, 2005
To the Rios Family,
My sister grew up with Hernando and he was a neighbor of mine for almost 20 years. I just want to send my condolences to the Rios family. Hernando was always like one to protect others in trouble and he was a hero to many even before he was sent to Iraq.
I will be praying for the Rios family in these tough times and I will always admire Hernando for his bravery.
Jorge and Patricia Ortiz
Matthew Turull
August 19, 2005
I just wanted to say I am extremely sorry for the loss of Rios. I went through Infantry Basic Training with Rios. I am currently out of the country, but I found out through the newspaper. Carlos Alberti also wants to offer his deepest condolences. He knew Rios better than me, and he was deeply distraught when I relayed the news to him. Again, I am very sorry for your loss, and I will never forget about Rios, for he always made us laugh, no matter what was happening.
Chaplain Dan Gates (GASSAR)
August 19, 2005
I have just learned of the death of PFC Hernando Rios. As the State Chaplain of the Georgia Sons Of The American Revolution and speaking for our President, George Thurmond and more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia, may I most humbly express the condolences of a grateful Society. PFC Rios, wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, stood on a wall of freedom for us all. His life and his love of country epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe him ..!! Nor the debt we owe you…!!!
Laura Nelson
August 18, 2005
On behalf of the Rios Family and myself, I thank everyone who has signed this guest book. Thank you for your warm wishes. My condolence goes out to all military families that have lost a loved one. I am Hernando's cousin, Laura, also niece of Ramon, Hernando's Father. Hernando is a hero and will forever live in our hearts, we will never forget him and will always remember his bravery.
Ivette O'Sullivan
August 17, 2005
To the Rios Family,
This is Hernando cousin's, Raymond's niece, Elda's dautgher. On behave of my family we are so sorry for the loss of a father, son,husband & brave hero that wanted to support & defend our country. He will be missed by all his love ones.
We try & try to control the events of our lives. And not seldom the events in others'lives,too. The occasions are frequent when our will conflicts with God's. Then for a time we feel at a loss. Our direction is uncertain. But always,anthor door opens. Life is simple if we were to daily, fully,turn our will & our lives over to the care of God. God's help and direction in all things are always available. Turning a deaf ear is like trying to find a seat in a darkened movie theater unaided by the usher.
Every experience is sofened when we face it accompanied by our higher power. Any past struggle, any present fear, is a testament to our attempts to do it alone. Too frequently we forge ahead, alone,only to have our way blocked. The detours need never be there. No door closes unless there is a better way. The divine order will prevail.
Dolores Ross
August 16, 2005
To The Rios Family,
Your son is among many HEROES who gave his life for our freedom.
I know this is not going to bring him back He is in Good Hands
someone in my
family was just laid to rest yesterday his name is Lance Cpl Michael Cifuentes he was engaged to my neice, and the grief all of you are feeling can not compare to what you have lost .
Your SON IS AMONG TRUE HEROES
YOU HAVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY.....
[email protected]
GEORGE C RUDOLPH SR.
August 16, 2005
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY PFC.RIOS YOU ARE A HONORABLE MAN MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY.
August 15, 2005
I came across your name today. I feel for your family and friends at this time. I worked in the World Trade Center and lost a lot of coworkers and friends on 9/11. I thank you for fighting in this war against terrorism. I hope that one day this world will be a peaceful nation.
August 15, 2005
May you find comfot in knowing that others share your loss.
We thank your son for serving our country Please remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
With Deepest Sympathy
Dona Boley
August 15, 2005
I wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
You must be very proud of the job Hernando did for this country. We will never forget the men and women that fought and lost their lives so we may live in a free land.
Know that he is with God, and at peace. Because of our armed forces, we may all some day be at peace in the world.
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