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Miguel Rios Obituary
Albuquerque mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed and cherished residents, Dr. Miguel Rios, Jr., who passed away on August 14, 2024. Born in El Paso, TX in 1941 to Miguel Sr. and Felicitas Rios, Miguel personified his immigrant parents' aspirations, earning a PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics early in life to become a highly successful entrepreneur. He served his faith as a devout Catholic and was knighted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
In 1968, Miguel married his soulmate, Maria Estela Lopez. Together, they raised four children: Miguel III, Benjamin Tomas, Eva Angelica, and Magdalena Anastacia. Their marriage was more than a union; it was a partnership grounded in love, respect, and unwavering support. Sadly, in 1989, they faced the heartbreaking loss of their teenage son, Benjamin Tomas, who was honored with the naming of the Ben Rios Soccer Field at St. Pius X High School.
In 1984, Miguel and Maria Estela co-founded Orion International Technologies, later expanding their ventures by establishing the subsidiaries Orion Information Technologies and Orion Technical Services. Miguel was an active member of the ABQ Hispano Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. His contributions to science were extensive, conducting pioneering research in stellar nucleosynthesis with Nobel Laureate William Fowler and collaborating with the Late Senator Pete Domenici on the Human Genome Project having served as president of the National Center for Genomic Research in Santa Fe.
Miguel is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Estela de Rios; his children: Miguel III, Eva Angelica and her husband Jesus Manuel Ornelas, Magdalena Anastacia and her husband Steve Eugene Torrance; and his grandchildren: Aislinn Jean, Estevan Tomas, Arianna Valene, Agustin Benito, and Celestina Giselle. He is also survived by his siblings: Dolores Solares, Fernando Rios, and Marta Alicia Romo.
Services will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A rosary will be held on August 30th, 2024 at 6:00 PM, followed by a Mass on August 31st, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. To view full obituary, please visit online guest book for Miguel at www.FrenchFunerals.com
Memories and Condolences
for Miguel Rios
Geraldine Rivera
October 18, 2024
Maria Elena and family, my sincere condolences to you on the passing of Miguel, a very good man. He was, as they say, a gentleman and a scholar! I remain fond of him and his beloved Maria Elena. May he rest in God´s peace.
Gil Guzman
August 30, 2024
My sincere condolences to the entire Rios family. Miguel was a close friend and inspiration to me. It was an honor working with him over the past two decades. Rest in peace, my friend.
William and Bernice Velez
August 28, 2024
I met Miguel in 1975, when I joined Sandia Labs. Miguel took over the leadership of SACNAS at that time and we had many fruitful meetings. He was an inspiration to me. His concern for the education of the minority community was profound. His dedication to improving opportunities for the minority community continues to this day through SACNAS. I am grateful for the leadership he provided and for his friendship. My deepest condolences.
Regina I Huffman
August 27, 2024
Condolences to this beautiful family. Thank you for the beautiful example of how to live and how to love.
Janice Paster
August 26, 2024
ME and family, I will never forget the dinner with Miguel in Madrid when he took several of us IWF-NM Forum members out to dinner while ME attended another event. He charmed us with his elegant manners and his grace. He made sure the wait staff met all our dining needs. We all fell in love with him that night! My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Michael Hopper
August 26, 2024
Mickey, Danny Porras and I grew up together in El Paso. We attended school first at St Joesph's and then at Cathedral High School. Early on it was evident that Mickey was destined to excel in all aspects of his life, as he well did. Mickey was truly " A man for all seasons ". Our deepest condolences go out to all his family in Albuquerque and El Paso.
Michael Hopper & Family.
Alex Sandoval
August 25, 2024
May he rest in eternal peace reunited with his Benji boy. My deepest condolences to the Rios family.
Tom Rios
August 25, 2024
Our prayers are with you Love Rios family
Raymond Sanchez
August 25, 2024
Estela and family members, my deep and sincere condolences for the loss of your really wonderful and accomplished husband and father. I admired his compassion and intellect. He was a friend who will be missed. I am shocked to learn of his passing.
Alicia Fletcher
August 25, 2024
Para la familia Rios mi más sentido pésame, especialmente para Evita quien fue mi alumna . Que descanse en la Paz del Señor
Alícia Fletcher
Jorge E Tristani
August 25, 2024
An amazing individual, a loving father and husband, a very loyal supporter of St. Pius X High School ln Albuquerque, especially its soccer program, he will surely be missed. QEPD! Coach
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French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
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