Donaciano Rios

1934 - 2010

Jan. 26, 1934 to Aug. 6, 2010

It is with heavy hearts and intense sadness that we announce the passing of Chano Rios, loving and devoted husband, the world's best dad, proud grandfather, gentle great-grandfather, compassionate brother, loving and loyal uncle, witty and dependable friend, and faithful servant of our Lord. He was and will always remain our hero.

Chano was born in Weslaco, Texas to the union of Antonio Rios and Eufemia Garza Rios. He was the oldest of 10 children. Chano attended school through sixth grade at which time he left school to help provide for his family. This sense of responsibility was forever instilled in our dad who demonstrated this throughout his life helping his family and friends both emotionally and financially in any way he could. He believed that the way to a better life was through hard work and shared that belief with his children.

Chano was very proud of his service to our country. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1962.

He settled in California in 1964 and, through the favor of farmhands and his long, back-breaking days in the fields, he proved to be a productive, hard-working laborer gaining recognition as a leader. Before long he was managing the local fields and earned the respect of many. Through his work ethic in the agricultural industry he advanced into leadership positions with both the Sunkist and Petoseed companies where he utilized his natural math and leadership abilities to resolve complicated business matters.

In 1986, as an entrepreneur, Chano became a successful independent businessman who owned and operated Rios Automotive, invested in real estate and several other businesses. He lived by his motto that to earn respect, you had to give respect to others. Part of his success was attributed to remembering the human element of business and honoring the belief that someone had in him long ago; if one of his tenants was having financial hardships, he understood the difficulties and worked with that person.

He was a true gentleman. But perhaps his proudest legacy is his family. He married the love of his life, Guadalupe Guajardo, in 1962. He loved her with all his strength and being. They remarried in the Catholic Church in 2007 with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild present. Together they had six children, Elizabeth Carrillo, Leticia Sosa (Ray), Sandra Kurtz (Robert), Marisela Rios-Hansen (Peter), Antonio Rios (Anna), and Veronica Licea (Carlos). He had 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter with which he had special relationships: Vanessa Carrillo, Andrew Carrillo, Celeste Sosa, Tyler Sosa, Raymond Robledo, Daniel Robledo, Gabriella Hansen, Tiana Rios, Austin Rios, Jeremy Licea, and Jessica Licea, and great-granddaughter, Raeana Robledo.

Though there were many of us, he treated us all according to our unique personalities. He respected our choices, although he had his own opinions. He provided an example for us to follow, which was family first, always loving, supporting and providing for each other, uniting with each other and spending time together. He was our strength, the patriarch, and as he later crowned himself with his beautiful Spanish accent, "the Big Chit!" Although we are grief stricken beyond words, we are comforted in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering and is in the arms of our Heavenly Father, reunited with his mother, father and friends. He will forever remain in our hearts and thoughts. We love you Dad.

Arrangements are being handled by Joseph P. Reardon Mortuary, 643-8623. The viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, with a rosary immediately following. Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the same location with interment at Ivy Lawn Cemetery. There will be a reception immediately following the burial. Reception will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church Hall, Santa Cruz Room. Please join in our celebration of the life of this wonderful human being who always enjoyed a good party and large gatherings.