Gonzalo Medina Rios

It is with a heavy heart that we, the family of the Gonzalo Medina Rios, Sr., announce that he passed away on January 3, 2021 in San Angelo, at the age of 88.

Public viewing will be on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 PM. at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Joey Faylona, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. We ask that everyone abide by the safety guidelines and exercise social distancing and wear a mask at Gonzalo’s services.

Gonzalo was born on January 10, 1932 in Cueramaro, Guanajuato, Mexico and was a resident of San Angelo since 1960. He married his lifelong partner, Tomasa Pena on June 1, 1954. He worked for the City of San Angelo as a heavy equipment operator for a total of thirty years and retired on January 31, 1995. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Gonzalo was preceded in death by his parents, Basilio and Maria Rios, siblings, Crecencio Rios, Guadalupe Rios, and Lily Cuellar, as well as, his sons, Jose P. Sosa and Rogelio Rios, and daughter-in-law, Consuelo (Connie) G. Rios.

Gonzalo is survived by his loving wife, Tomasa P. Rios; daughter, Elva Duron and husband Danny, and sons, Phillip Rios and wife Cindy, Salvador Sosa, Gonzalo P. Rios, Jr., and daughter-in-law Delia G. Sosa; his sister, Josie Rios; and his brothers, Trinidad Rios, Armando Rios and Emiliano Rios. Lastly, Gonzalo left the joy of his retired life – his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was proud of each and every one and each brought him huge smiles. Left to carry on are twelve grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Gonzalo’s passion was caring for his family and achieving his dream of becoming a U.S. citizen, after migrating from Mexico. He loved this country and realized his dream of citizenship in 1994. Nothing made him prouder than taking advantage of the privilege to vote!

Gonzalo’s dream was to see his children and grandchildren get an education and achieve the American dream. To that end, he never stopped being a father.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who comforted him in his hour of need during the difficult conditions presented by COVID-19.

We as his family are proud to know that he will live on in our lives every day as the example he left us, to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.