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Jose Rios, Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas to Jose and Beatrice Gaitan Rios on April 20, 1944. He passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 80. ‘Joe’ as he was known to friends, and ‘Sonny’ as he was known to family, was the eldest of ten children. He lived to love and care for his family. He was a man of respect and integrity and so many looked up to him for help or advice. His lifelong career was at Kelly Air Force base where he started as a machinist and worked his way up the ladder as a civilian becoming a Quality Assurance Supervisor where he led a team of men who performed aircraft inspections. His work at the air force base was a source of pride because his desire as a young man to was to serve in the military. His health did not permit him to pursue active service, so this was the next best way to serve. His greatest source of pride was his children. He was supportive in every circumstance and always lived out loyalty and devotion. He was always a calm voice in the midst of a storm and an amazing example and positive influence for his family. He taught his children the love of family heritage, fast cars, airplanes, and sports. He loved the Spurs and never missed a game (even when he watched them late at night “with his eyes closed”). The only thing he loved more was fishing. Especially fishing with his kids; and, every doctor’s initiation was to sit through a presentation of his trophy catches. Despite his health issues, he utilized all of his strength to live his life to its fullest. Although he is resting now and breathing freely, his passing has left a hole in our hearts but also a legacy for us all to live out and carry on. He will always be deeply loved and missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Feliz Rios; and brothers: Freddie Rios, Santiago Rios, Sammy Rios, George Rios, and Michael Rios. Survivors include his daughter, Nina Guerra and husband Robert; Sons: James Rios, and Jacob Rios and wife Emy; sisters: Mary Jane Paez and husband Roland, Irene Glaske and husband Dick, Rose Foster and husband Roy, and Pat Shella and husband Jim; brother, Edward Rios and wife Amelia; grandchildren: Jessica Angeles and husband Carlo, Julissa Perez and husband Oliver, Zen Rios, Kaitlyn and Jaiden; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 5:00pm on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30pm. Funeral mass will be offered at 10:00am on Saturday, July 27 at St. Henry Catholic Church. Procession will depart Mission Park at 9:30am. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South.

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Jose Rios Jr.

April 20, 1944 - July 11, 2024