Tomas "Tom, Coach Rios, "The Legend" Rios

Tomas Rios, 62, went to his eternal rest on January 23rd, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on October 15th, 1963, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, teacher, and coach whose life was defined by dedication, service, and love.

Tomas was married for 40 years to his beloved wife, Alma Rios Torres, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Thomas James Rios and Anicia M. Rios, and by his three cherished grandchildren: Aaliyah, Alyssa, and Tyler J. Rios.

He is also survived by his mother, Maria Josefa Rios, and his siblings: Cesarea (Larry) Germain, Araceli (Jim) Godwin, Eduardo C. (Alma) Rios, Idalia (Manuel) Pulido, Diana (German Garcia) Rios, and Belinda (Manuel) Cortinas, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is further survived by his in-laws, Santiago Torres and Benita Torres, his sister-in-laws, Melissa T. (Juan) Rodriguez, and Michelle Torres, his nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his father, Tomas Rios Villarreal.

Known fondly as Tom, Coach Rios, and "The Legend," he dedicated 35 years to teaching Mathematics and coaching football, basketball, tennis, etc. with Brownsville ISD. He also taught for three years with Saint Joseph Academy. All together, he devoted 38 years to education. He touched countless lives through his passion for education, mentorship, and character-building.

Tomas will be remembered for his loving, humorous, and gentle spirit, his patience, and his unwavering commitment to his students, athletes, and family. He was very outgoing, always willing to help, and was the mediator in all situations. His legacy lives on in the many lives he shaped and the family he loved so deeply.

The active pallbearers for this service are Thomas James Rios, Eduardo Rios, Manuel Cortinas, Marco Cortinas, Aaron Cortinas, Manuel A. Vega, Juan J. Rodriguez, and Nathan R. Garcia.

The honorary pallbearers for this service are Santiago Torres, Juan Vera, Eric Vera, Tyler J. Rios, Larry Germain, Jim Godwin, Manuel Pulido, German Garcia Cano, Tyrone Powers, Terry Hoover, and Anicia M. Rios.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Brownsville, Texas. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 6:00 PM. The chapel at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home will open at 8:00 AM on Friday, February 6th, 2026. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church in Brownsville, Texas. Interment will take place at 11:00 AM at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

May he rest in eternal peace. Tomas (Tom), you are "The Legend" who will always live in our hearts. We will always remember your favorite phrase: "Give it all you've got, let's kick some butt, and stay mentally strong!"

Love and miss you.