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Anthony Rios Obituary
Tony was born on July 22, 1951 to Guadalupe Ramirez Rios and Francisco Rios in his beloved city of Kansas City, Missouri. He was one of seven children: (late) Frank; (late) Linda; Patricia; Daniel; Antoinette; Cynthia. Tony relocated from Kansas City to Dallas in 1980 to continue his education and pursue interests in housing development and community activism. Tony graduated the University of Texas Dallas in 1984 with his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government. He went on to achieve his Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas Dallas in 1994.
Tony married Cindy Quezada after a long courtship on October 15, 2011. Tony and Cindy enjoyed a love of travel to many exotic places, music, dining, baseball and time with their grandchildren. Tony was an avid reader, lover of history and prided himself on his civic duties and community leadership. Tony ran for City Council, was an active member on many boards and non-profit organizations. He was especially proud of his involvement with The Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall.
Tony served as Director of Dallas Housing Authority for more than a decade before transitioning to his position as the Executive Director of Paris and Rockwall Housing respectively for more than 30 years total. Always a leader in his career, Tony had an impressive impact on these communities in his development and management of housing for under-privileged persons and seniors.
Tony is preceded in death by his father, Francisco Rios and his siblings, Frank Rios and Linda Harris. Tony is also preceded in death by his son, Anthony Francisco Rios. Tony and his son 'Little Tony' shared a very close bond and loving relationship. Tony was devastated by his son's passing, and his family finds solace in the fact they they will be reunited in the afterlife.
Tony is survived by his loving and devoted wife Cindy Rios. Tony was survived by his mother Lupe Rios. Also his siblings, Patty Diaz and spouse Gilbert Diaz, Daniel Rios and spouse Yolanda Rios, Mary Rios Magana, Cynthia Brown and spouse Dennis Brown. Tony is survived by his and Cindy's children, Carol Lopez and Benny Lopez. Also his and Cindy's grandchildren Daniel Garrido-Lopez, Gustavo Pena, Anthony Lopez and Catherine Banda. Tony is survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews with whom he had special relationships. Always with a love of family, Tony was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and although he had strong relationships with each of his siblings, he had a special bond and lifelong best friendship with his brother Danny.
Visitation will be Monday, March 18th from 3 pm to 8 pm at Calvario Funeral Home in Dallas, TX. Full Catholic Mass will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, March 19th at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Dallas. Graveside burial will follow mass at Calvary Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saint Cecilia Catholic Church. Also, the family asks that you consider sharing stories and memories of our beloved Tony on the memorial guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jennifer Moss
March 22, 2024
Jennifer Moss
March 22, 2024
Jennifer Moss
March 22, 2024
Jennifer Moss
March 22, 2024
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Jennifer Moss
March 22, 2024
Uncle Tony,
How do we say goodbye to the backbone of our family? You were a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend and now we are hearing how much you meant to others. It is amazing to find how the world saw you exactly as we did, Extraordinary!
I want to Thank you for loving our family with so much gusto!
I want to Thank you for teaching us so many life lessons, it is impossible to count!
I want to Thank you for showing up for us when we needed you!
I want to Thank you for loving me!
I will always love you and miss you more than you will know!
We will love and cherish Cindy for the rest of our lives! We will miss your vibrant stories, loud arguing (iykyk), love of travel, love of your grandchildren and so much more!
Until we meet again! Love always,
Jen Jen
Danice Shaw
March 22, 2024
Just thinking about this past weekend. Thank you Uncle Tony for bringing our family together. I wish the circumstances were different, but still thankful for the time with family. We are going to miss listening to your stories and the way you make everyone in your life feel special.
Leo F Sebus
March 22, 2024
Tony and I were classmates at De LaSalle High School. Though I had not seen him for over 50 years. He was always a happy person and very nice guy and we were friends. He called me in Kansas City with some real estate questions a couple of years ago and we talked about many great times and laughs together through our 4 years. God Bless you and RIP my friend until we meet again.
Natalie Magana Alvarez
March 22, 2024
When I think of my Uncle Tony, I think of morning coffee (might be a Rios thing), great stories and family history. I loved to sit and listen to his awesome stories of his wild and crazy times with his brother, my Daddy and them back in the old neighborhood because we all know when they were together mischief would happen. I´d love to sit and have a drink with him and listen to all the places he had travel too. When I think of my Uncle Tony I think of a childhood memory of when I had been to the junkyard with my Daddy and found an Eagles cd in a car. And played it for many days after one of which was at the pool at my Grandma and Grandpa Rios´s when my Uncle happened to be in town he jumped in grabbed my little boom box put it on his shoulder and started to jam to the Eagles playing. He said you like this kind of music? I said yes I do! He said this group is from my time. And now when a song from the Hotel California album comes on, I always think of that little moment we shared all so long ago. When I think of my Uncle Tony I think of a strong, loving, caring Rios man with lots of courage and wisdom. Dallas will never be the same. You will be defiantly be missed by me, the family and whole lot of others. My heart, love and thoughts go out and will always be with my beautiful Aunt Cindy, Gus and Dan. Although this is not a goodbye but a see you later. I will always love you and the memories we have shared. Love always Natalie
Jessica Diaz
March 21, 2024
Jessica Diaz
March 21, 2024
Jessica Diaz
March 21, 2024
Uncle Tony reminds me of the childhood trips my family took to visit when Uncle Tony had just relocated to Dallas. Uncle Tony was always so happy to see us and we had lots of fun. Those memories I will always cherish! Whenever I hear the mention of "Dallas" I always thought of and will always remember my Uncle Tony. Rest in Peace Uncle Tony!
Christopher Grado Jr
March 21, 2024
Nino, you´ve played a major role in my life since the day you and Nina(Aunt Cindy) came into my life and stepped up as my Godparents. Everytime you came into town I wanted to see you because I cherished every conversation we´ve had rather short or long. You will be very missed and I keep thinking it´s selfish of me to keeping crying because you´re gone when you´ve gotten the chance to reunite with your son Tony. I love you Nino and will see you again some day.
Lore Rios Soto
March 20, 2024
Uncle, what to say? We buried you yesterday and I honestly hadn´t slowed down until now. Now is when it gets truly difficult. Dallas feels different. My home feels different. I feel your presence everywhere, but the realization that you won´t call again or "now, Lore" me is a lot to stand. You were so loved by so many. I´m grateful to have been in your circle. For now, I will cherish the memories. I feel ripped off. We deserved more time, but I´m being selfish, I´m sure. I did have you to myself for 14-ish years here in the Big D....just didn´t feel like enough. As you would say, love you mucho. Until we meet again.
Jose' Francisco Garcia Rios
March 19, 2024
My Mom, Elizabeth Isabel "Izzy" Rios de Garcia (1926 - 1952), was a sister of Frank "Frankie" Rios Jr., who was Dad to
Anthony David "Tony" Rios, (1951 - 2024) ......making Tony, my 1st cousin.
Despite not having strong interpersonal connections between our Families, Tony and my life had incredible parallels. We both went to high schools just blocks apart ......Tony went to DeLa Salle (1966-69)and I went to Manuel High/Vocational school.
We both were the only one's in our Family's that left their home-town at the same age, both in our 30's.......
Both of us earned B.A. degrees, although Tony went on to obtain his Masters!
And we were both Chicano Activists. Tony, was one of the founding members of Kansas City's Brown Berets, on the West Side of Kansas City, Mo. We both found ourselves attending Penn Valley Community College. Both Tony and I, found our niche doing what a Chicano does...being self-determined.
We both made our living in the Corporate world, married in Kansas City, divorced and re-married when we left town.
I last saw Tony at his Dad's, my Tio's funeral in K.C., back in 2020. When you read Anthony David's obituary, you will learn about the life of a Chicano, who found his way into the upper echelons of our Society and found success, respect....keeping strong Familia ties.
Proud of you Vato.....Descansa en Paz......your Primo....Jose' "Joe Frank" Chato Francisco Garcia Rios.
Tammy Smith
March 18, 2024
In loving memory of a really great person, Tony Rios. I am truly thankful for all the years you have been a good friend and Director as you guided and listened to all of us in the Rockwall Housing Authority office. I could tell from the first time I met you back in 2001 that you truly cared for the tenants and tried very hard to provide them a good and clean place to live. I believed in your vision and agreed to work with you because of the person you were. I have so enjoyed all our history talks, but I enjoyed even more hearing the love of your family and faith in your voice. I know this is not goodbye, but just see you later.
Cassie
March 17, 2024
I worked with Tony since 2008 at Rockwall Housing, he was my boss but even more as a beat friend to me. Everytime I walked into his office to tell him something he would have something to say and then go into a history lesson, lol. He was just a great boss/friend and if will be very hard to continue work without him walking In. He loved his family more than anything and I have heard a lot of stories about all his family and his mischievous life as a kid. I hope he's looking down on all of us and traveling around in heaven. And to the Rios family I'm am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Daniel Lopez
March 16, 2024
Pops was an inspiration to me (Daniel). I didn´t think such things were possible till pops told me otherwise. The day I graduated high school and basic training was the day I was proud to have pops in my life. To know I had someone by my side to keep me pushing and challenging myself to be better than those around me. Pops was my grandfather but I also looked at him as my father..a man who had taught me many lessons, how to be a man, how to make money and maintain money, got me into history and cars. He was a man of no fear even though I bet he was scared of certain situations like the day I ended up in hospital due to a accident still pops had that stern look and told me "aye everything is gonna be alright. After that you still want another motorcycle?" I bragged bout him and how close we were.
Cynthia
March 15, 2024
Words cannot express the sadness and devastation my family and I feel after the sudden loss of my brother. He was a hero to many! To me he was, and always will be my loving big brother! I cherish the times I spent visiting him in Dallas with my sister Mary! He jokingly called us Thelma and Louise because we would drive the 8 hours to visit him and his wife Cindy. He was the kindest, most loving big brother! He truly cared about all his family! Even as a child I can remember lessons he graciously taught me. His words and actions touched not only our family, but so many others. I will miss him greatly. He will be remembered by so many. My heart goes out to Cindy his loving wife. Their deep love was evident! Tony, Cindy, and I shared a love for travel, and I spent some time traveling with them and other family members. A few years ago we traveled to Rome and met Tony and Cindy there. We spent celebrating New Year´s Eve eating dinner in front of the Parthenon! I will forever cherish that trip, the one we took to Destin Florida, and the cruise we took with a group of 22 family members to the Bahamas! I have so many wonderful memories, and although they will never make up for our loss, I hope they sustain me, until we´re reunited. Love you dear brother!
Rose Thompson
March 15, 2024
All my memories with Tony are childhood memories. I always enjoyed visiting with my Auntie Lupe and Uncle Frankie and all my Rios cousins. There was always lots of laughs and fun times playing together. I had a small crush on Tony even though I was 3 years older than him. He had a beautiful smile and laughter that was so contagious you had to laugh with him. My heart broke when I heard of Little Tony´s death and how hard that must have been for Big Tony to receive. I cried for him and now my heart aches that we have lost him as well. I have consolation in knowing that Tony is now in the arms of the Lord and how pleased the Lord must be with Tony´s contributions made to his community and what a great example he set for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. My deepest sympathies to his family. I will miss you dearly but never forgotten and always loved.
Rosie
Judi Johnson
March 14, 2024
So many here in Rockwall will be missing Tony for a very long time. I came to the hi-rise about 10 years ago. We both loved to read and would swap books we were interested in he was into history and mysteries as was I we talked football and childhood memories a lot. He told me of his and his brother Danny´s mischief and troubles they got into. I told him about growing up in Ohio with 3 brothers and no sisters and the stuff that we got into as well. I was on the RHA board for 8 years so we chatted quite a lot through the years. I miss him so much and I know how much he loved his family how much they loved him too. I spoke with him Friday as he was leaving for the weekend he was telling me how much he liked the latest book I had loaned him and he´d see me Monday. He worked so hard and did so much good here. He´ll be a hard man to replace. God bless him and his family. Judi Johnson
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
little Danny Rios
March 14, 2024
My Uncle Tony was a very special man. A professional man who was in his element in a business meeting or at a fine restaurant, just as he was at a ballgame enjoying a beer and a brat. A world traveler who was at home in Rome or many other world capitals, just as he was as when he was enjoying his family and friends back in his old neighborhood in Kansas City. He was able to meet people wherever they were at in life. That was his gift. He was that way due to his upbringing and where he took himself in life with hard work and perseverance. Couple that with intellect, curiosity for the world around him and charisma for days, and he was bound to succeed.
Love and prayers for Cindy and the young ones still under their wings. No words will assuage the grief you have at such a loss. Only time and the understanding that he´s still with you and in you always will give you peace with his passing. He walks with you from now until you meet him again.
Love and prayers for his siblings. To have a lifetime of memories with him and to have him taken so suddenly without a proper goodbye must hurt. Try to remember he´s now at home with Grandpa, Uncle Chunky, Aunt Linda, and most touching of all his son, little Tony. That´s a reunion I would love to see. I know it´s loud with all those hard heads.
(Tony and Danny Rios. Brothers cannot be closer. The stories these two made)
(My Uncle Tony being original, and me trying to be cool copying a picture of a man I grew up idolizing)
Licha Ochoa Nicholson
March 14, 2024
I love you dear cousin. You´ve left me with so many beautiful memories of our childhood.
When I think of you I remember your beautiful smile, your beautiful laugh and your beautiful dimples!
I will hold you in my heart.
Love You,
Licha
Gene Ramirez
March 14, 2024
Melinda Thrower
March 13, 2024
Tony was a very kind man that I met when my Mother moved into an apartment at the Rockwall Housing Authority. Over the years I had many conversations about moments in our lives and always found him caring and compassionate. He had a love of the Civil War as did my husband. I loaned him a few and he truly enjoyed them. Tony´s sudden death was such a shock, I don´t believe people really understood everything he was responsible for in his work. I trust they will discover he will be a hard man to replace. His loss will be felt by so many and I will miss his smile and funny stories.
Calvario Funeral Home
March 13, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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