San Antonio, Texas
RIOVO
James "Jim" Riovo; February 8, 1948- September 8, 2011.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather & friend was flown by his chopper to the gates of Heaven to be with the angels after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family & friends with his beloved "Bear" by his side. He is survived by his adoring wife of 40 years, Barbara Ann and his devoted children Nichol Abbott, Heather & Damian Valls, Averi & Andrew Garza, along with his 8 treasured grandchildren. Proud father Ret. Col Jose A. Riovo & wife Ana, Caring father in-law & friend Ret. Col Keith F. DuBois along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. Serving in the United States Army, CW3 Jim H Riovo was a member of 189th Ghostrider & Avengers. He was a true HERO, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star & Air Medal while serving in Vietnam. Continuing his passion for flight he then flew as a Life Flight Pilot for Memorial Hermann Hospital for over 20 years. Upon retirement he continued his dedication to his "brothers-in-arms" and commanded the VFW Post 8541 in San Antonio, Texas. Jim touched the lives of many people with his smile, generosity, infectious laugh and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Jim's free spirit will be commemorated with a welcoming reunion of family and friends on Friday September 23, 2011. A pre-gathering at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony de Padua, 102 Lorenz Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209 followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 noon. To follow Military Funeral Honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209. A celebration of Jim's life hosted by VFW Post 8541, 2222 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218 following military services. Casual attire requested by Jim. In lieu of flowers, the Riovo family would be most honored by a donation to the Jim Riovo Memorial Fund sent or delivered to VFW Post 8541, 2222 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Condolences may be sent to the Riovo family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by:
It doesn't seem like a year but I guess it has been. You remain, Jim, in our hearts and memories. I miss your friendship, but, my life was enhanced by having known you. And I am grateful.
Your brother,
Tony Lobello
Tony Lobello
October 07, 2012 | San Antonio, TX
It does not seem that a year as come and gone already. I miss your smile, laugh and the excitement in your voice when you would see us! I still miss you more than I can express and my heart still aches. I will never forget your smiling face! I love you Dad!! I took a motorcycle class in honor of you, I thought you would be proud!!
Heather Valls
September 16, 2012
Lots of happy thoughts and good laughs about Jim at Burningman this year
September 15, 2012
thinking about you at school sharing you with my friends and teacher
justin thompson
September 14, 2012
"Grandpa's Helicopter"
I still hear Life Flight fly over and the sound of the helicopter is comforting. I miss you Dad!
Heather Valls
January 24, 2012 | Sugar Land
Barbara Riovo
January 24, 2012 | San Antonio, TX
Nicole and I, with Dad
This has been a very emotional week to say the least. I think I am doing fine and then all of a sudden it hits me. I miss you so much. I know that this is "life" and it happens to all of us, but why does it have to hurt so much. I love you Dad and I can hear you saying, "Honey, you have to just keep on trucking, it will all work it's self out". I know you are still with us, I can feel you at times. Please speak with your new found buddy and ask him to help us out a little during this holiday...
Heather Valls
November 21, 2011 | SUGAR LAND, TX
Barbara, So sad to read that Jim died. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as always. Hope you are well, although you must miss Jim so much. Love ya, Virginia
Virgini Barton
November 20, 2011 | Spring, TX
Omi & Dad's Urn
This was a busy weekend! Mom and Nicole came to visit and Austin had his homecoming! He looked very handsome & All grown up. Jordyn says she talked to you on the walkie talkie and Mom heard her say, "If you do it like this, you won't get hurt".... Mom was amazed at how much the lights went off in the entertainment center, only on the side with your urn. I told her you were giving us a sign and that you wanted us to know you were still around, watching over us.
Jack and Bobby took you to...
Heather Valls
October 16, 2011