Antonio L Rios

Tony suddenly went home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Florence Torres, by his 4 children that he adored Dominic Rios of Indio, Lena Abeyta of Banning, Mark Rios of Indio, Melissa Rios of Banning, his seven Grandchildren Jacob, Karina, Aaron, Noah, Callie, Christopher, Leah, his only great grandson Liam, his brothers Augustin Rios, Richard Rios and sisters Virginia Suarez, Linda Regan, and Rita Elisarraras.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, mother and younger brother Rudy Rios.

Tony attended Coachella Valley High School in the early sixties. He then joined the US Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and The Hispanic Airborne Association, LA Chapter. After serving, he was employed by Riverside County Parks Department at Lake Cahuilla where he resided with his family in the seventies.

Tony’s entrepreneurial endeavors included: R&R Cleaning, El Vendedor Del Valle, and California Carpets.

Later in his life he became a Horticulture Instructor with the Center for Employment Training while attending classes at College of the Desert.

Tony was an original and active member of the Coachella Valley Airborne Association where he also participated in the Indio Tamale Festival. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 739.

He volunteered for the Riverside County Date Festival as a Light Coordinator for the Arabian Nights Pageant in past years.

Tony enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, treasure hunting with buddies, hiking, camping with family, dancing, whistling and long drives in the back roads listening to his favorite music.

Above all Tony loved his family, friends and his pets. Tony will be missed for his huge heart, his smile, his laugh, and most of all his “Happy Birthday” calls.

Graveside services:

Coachella Valley Cemetery

Friday, February 2, 2018 @ 9:00 a.m.

Airborne!