John Rios

John A. Rios of Safford quietly passed away May 17, 2019 at his home with loved ones near at the age of 93. He was born May 23, 1925 in Willcox, AZ to Faustino Rios & Gregoria Arrellin Rios. John's siblings included Ignacio, Luis, Lola, Juana, Jesus, Maria, Andres and Francisca. John married Dolores Alvarado in Safford on May 4, 1944 before joining the U.S. Army, serving in WWII. After his return they were blessed with 15 children; Priscilla, Kate, Georgia, Johnny, Raymond, Eleanor, Martin, Marvin, Dolores, Nanci, Albert "Bob", Kenneth, Gabriel, Marie and Michael. John was a carpenter by trade and became a foreman in the building of the volunteer hall and the parish offices, along with numerous other projects at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He also completed numerous projects on Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Solomon and the Catholic Mission in Pima. John also worked in several major bridges and projects throughout the state of Arizona. In his spare time, he built his own casket in 1996. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local Union #408, Beneficio Propio and Cursillistas. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and most of all, spending time with his family. He was loving, kind, caring and giving and will be dearly missed by his family and all who came to call him friend. John is survived by his loving children Kate (Judy) Rios, Georgia (Manuel) Perea, John (Corina) Rios, Jr., Marvin (Claudia) Rios, Dolores (Lee) Thomas, Nanci (Fred) Abalos, Albert "Bob" Rios, Gabriel (Felice) Rios, Marie (Keith) Fabian and Michael Rios, 36 Grandchildren, 104 Great-Grandchildren and 37 Great-great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores A. Rios, his parents Faustino & Gregoria Rios, his daughters Eleanor Rios & Priscilla Romero, his sons Raymond, Kenneth & Martin J. Rios and all of his brothers and sisters. A viewing and Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 24th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made for Xavier "TJ" Rios-Bingham, John's Great-Grandson, at www.facebook.com/donate/1336647219819709/?fundraiser_source=external_url.