Alfonso Francisco Rios

Our hearts are heavy as we announce that the patriarch of our Rios familia, Alfonso (Poncho) Francisco Rios--father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather--died after a battle with illness on May 30, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. Alfonso was born April 7, 1932 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Francisco and Victoria (Montemayor) Rios.

He went to Liberty High School (Bethlehem) before joining the Marines in 1950 where he served for 20 years, including having been stationed in Japan and Vietnam. He retired from the Marines as a Gunnery Sargent in 1970. He worked for AT&T from 1970 until he retired in 1995.

While serving as a military recruiter in Denver, he was introduced to and married the love of his life, Lilly Martinez. Together, they had seven children. While in the military, they were stationed in South Dakota, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania before settling down in Denver upon his retirement from the military.

Alfonso loved his family. He was known for his humor, his generosity, his passion for Mexican music, and his love, devotion, and dedication to his departed wife. He was a staunch defender of democracy and inclusive democratic principles.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Alfonzo and Zorida Martinez, his brother Ray Alvarez, sister Ofelia Taby,family member Ronnie Martinez as well as many brother and sister in-laws. Most importantly, waiting for him in heaven is his wife, Lilly Martinez, who died 40 years plus one day before him.

He is survived by his sisters Mary Gritz of Hellertown, PA and Susie (Art) Dembrosky of Quakertown, PA. His seven children Ray (Betty) Rios of Denver, Renee (Mike)Zambrano of New Mexico, Francisco (Deb) Rios of Washington, Nanette (Bob) Sheets of Thornton, Terry (Mary)Rios of Washington, Rita (Fred) Sandoval of Thornton, and Stella (Rex) Nowell of Wyoming. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren (they all called him “Poppose”), numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many life-long friends.

A celebration of life will be on July 8,2021 beginning with a rosary at 10:00 AM, followed by a mass in his memory at 10:30 AM. Both at Assumption Catholic Church 2361 E. 78th Ave, Denver, 80229 followed by a full military honor burial at 1:00 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver. Reception will follow immediately Reception following at Eclipse Event Center (south entrance), 2155 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80227

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to his favorite charities: St. Jude’s Hospital, Food Bank of the Rockies, or your local Meals on Wheels.

Abrazos!