Joe Rios

Lieutenant Colonel Joe R. Rios, peacefully passed away on June 28, 2024, at his care home in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by his loving wife and family. Joe was born on March 20, 1938, in Clarkdale, Arizona. Born to Magdeleno and Juana Rios, Joe was one of six siblings with four brothers and one sister. He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona living only a few blocks from his high-school sweetheart, Carolina (Romero) Rios. They shared over 65 years of marriage.

LTC. Rios enlisted in the Army National Guard of Arizona in September 1959. He was promoted to Major in March 1968. He was appointed as Supply Support Technician, Warrant Officer in April 1969. He held several staff positions, including Logistics Officer, Battalion Supply Officer, Supply Management Officer, and Supply Systems Analyst. After completion of Command and General Staff College, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in April 1990 and continued to serve in logistics positions until his retirement. LTC. Rios retired as the Plans Operations and Military Support Officer for the HQ State Area Command, Arizona Army National Guard in March 1998 after completing 42 years of service.

His vast military decorations and awards included many honors such as the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Arizona National Guard Southwest Service Support Ribbon.

He earned an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Management from Western International University in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and has had extensive training in plans and operations, logistics support, military support to civil defense, civil authorities and in the emergency preparedness field.

In his personal life, Joe was very involved with his children Chris and Jodi Rios. He was passionate about volunteering and supporting his son’s high school sports and served as Booster Club President for Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.

His service to volunteering did not end there. He served as Captain in his Neighborhood Block Watch Program as well as a member of the Scottsdale Block Watch Advisory Council. He was a graduate of the Scottsdale Police Citizens Academy, the Arizona Regional Community Policing Institute’s Leadership Development Program, and was a member of the Arizona Crime Prevention Association. His dedication to creating safe neighborhoods was recognized by the Scottsdale Tribune in a March 2003 article that explained how Joe championed a “‘Keep Kids Alive Drive 25’ campaign” and gained approval to post 11-yard signs throughout the neighborhood to protect children from speeders.

Being a bright spot in someone’s day was something Joe felt passionate about. He served for many years as Phoenix Sky Harbor Navigator, greeting hundreds of people at the airport by providing directions, information, and a friendly smile during a person’s travel day. Joe spent many hours and years serving as a HonorHealth volunteer at the Scottsdale Osborn Hospital. Joe was known for his dependability and caring heart for patients who may have needed that comfort.

As a faithful member of Saint Daniel, the Prophet Roman Catholic Church, Joe served many years as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Joe shared with his wife Carolina, an immense love for his children and grandchildren. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t say no to. There were countless family vacations across the US, time spent in their cabin in Pine, Arizona, international trips and cruises with his wife, and more family memories to last us a lifetime. 

Joe was truly the center to his family’s universe. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolina; son Chris Rios; daughter Jodi Rios-Towns; daughter-in-law Michele Rios; son-in-law Khari Towns; grandson Alexander (AJ) Rios and wife, Kelsi Rios; grandson Marcus Towns; granddaughter Mikayla Towns; granddaughter Kiana Rios; and great-grandson Karter Joseph Rios due in September 2024.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. located at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85024.