Lt. Colonel William "Bill" Rios, USAF, Retired, age 81, of Ormond Beach, FL, died November 8, 2013
with family and loved ones around him. William was born on July 7, 1932 in New York, New York and raised in Utuado, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico and went on to retire from the US Air Force.
He was a Vietnam veteran and served our country with a military career spanning 25 years.
He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After his retirement, he went back to college attending the University of South Florida to secure his
second degree in education. William resided in Tampa, FL where he could be often found at Al Lopez Field watching baseball for more than 22 years before retiring to Ormond Beach. He was a political science aficionado, champion of higher education, huge baseball fan, animal lover, and had an immense adoration for kids. He will be best remembered for his heart of gold and compassion for those facing adversity.
William will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Mary Luz Rios, his son, William A. (Coleen) Rio, his daughters, Mariluz (Tom) Rios Kernan, Zaida Rios, and Elizabeth (Bill) Rios Chanfrau, as well as his loving grandchildren, Elizabeth Hall, Lauren Rios, Alexandra Rios, Madeline Chanfrau, Caroline Chanfrau, and Will Chanfrau. Graveside inurnment services with full military honors and a fly-over will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16th at 2:30 pm at Daytona Memorial Park, Daytona Beach, FL. The family will receive friends at the home of Bill and Liz Chanfrau from 4pm to 6 pm that same day. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to Halifax Hospice 3800 Woodbriar Trail Port Orange, Florida 32129 Phone: 386.322.4752
Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.