I am cousin to Bobby, who was Rio’s best friend during high school, they were inseparable and I was always hanging with them at school, on the bus, at my cousins house. Rio was always the sweet boy, the sweetest kid at school, the silliest and goofiest, maybe known as a prankster or trickster but, never malicious. Always just funny. He loved making people smile, and his smile and his laugh is forever burned into my memory. I just see him, walking into the bus or walking around school with the biggest grin and ALWAYS eating food! Our group of friends loved him. My cousins family loved him. He was so loved. I also went to school with Nicole, his girlfriend at the time, and rios future sister in law! I always think of them, the entire family and their kiddos, and the world just isn’t fair. A beautiful sweet soul, a friend and father, and son, taken way too soon. But he won’t be forgotten. Rest in peace sweet Rio ❤️ I hope I can see his smile again one day.

I was Rio's Supervisor for his short time at Southwest Airlines. He had a great attitude and always what I called a million dollar smile.  He was a great fit and very talented. My heart goes out to the ones he left behind.

Our son-in-law, Rio, has been an integral part of our lives for the past 15 years, leaving us with countless memories. His laughter and warmth were always a welcome addition to whatever we were doing. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to know him and to have him as a part of our family. I am comforted as I look back on the times we shared, but the memory I will cherish most was getting the chance to watch Rio grow into a wonderful husband to our daughter and father to our granddaughters.

He leaves behind a void in our lives and will be dearly missed.

(note: year above could be wrong, it was sometime in the early 2010’s)

I could share the many times I served him and his wife Andy or even the times we played pool but that’d not do any true justice to the best memory I have with him.

Though short lived, one of my fondest memories (ever) was Muay Thai with Rio. He was definitely far more skilled than I was, and physically fit, but he pushed me forward during the time we trained together. 

Every training session Sweat beaded, heart pounded, and I could see that he was as wiped as I. He never faltered and it pushed me to do the same. Wish I stayed in touch more; I know though, because of that shared time, I am a better person for it. 

During those training days we pushed to leave everything on the mat and come out better than we were before. He will be missed, and it saddens me deeply.

My Sincerest Condolences,

Will