Rudolfo "Rudy" Rios

Obituary Rudolfo (Rudy) Rios

Rudolfo (Rudy) Rios, 82, a life-long resident of Santa Fe passed away on August 9, 2022 in Santa Fe, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesús and Teresa Rios, brother Juan Rios and sister Mary Rios Smith. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, survived by his wife, Donna; children Rudy II (Patti), Linda (Todd), Estevan (Megan), Consuelo and Jose; grandchildren Elisandro, Sydney, Maddox and Hawethorne; siblings: Frances, Cecilia, Socorro, Leon Rios (Milee), Rita Rios-Baca (Sam); brother-in-law Douglas Smith; sister-in-law Mabel Rios; mother-in-law Diana Quintana (Fred), as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Rudy worked his entire career with his family businesses, beginning as a young child alongside his father, Jesus in Rios Wood and Freight, doing demolition and hauling of building materials, in addition to cutting and selling firewood. There he also ran his own forklift service.  After the death of his father and older brother, Juan, he went on to manage the Rios Wood Yard, a Santa Fe institution. He was a constant presence at the wood yard and there, with his outgoing personality turned hundreds of his customers into life-long friends.

As hard as he worked, he also enjoyed his leisure time as an avid outdoorsman. He especially loved to go hunting and fishing with his family. He also loved sports and spent many years playing city league softball, and helping his family-sponsored basketball team win many city championships. Later in his life, he was an active volunteer with the Special Olympics, in which his son, Jose is very involved. Also, he and his family were avid fans and supporters of the Santa Fe Fuego baseball team, faithfully attending every home game.

Rudy will be missed greatly by all those whose lives he touched. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Monday, August 22 at the Rivera Funeral Home Kiva Chapel at 7:00 PM (visitation starting at 6:00), Funeral Mass at 10:00 on Tuesday, August 23 at Cristo Rey Church, reception immediately following at the Elks Lodge on 1615 Old Pecos Trail.