Gloria E. (Rodriguez) Rios

UTICA – Gloria E. (Rodriguez) Rios, age 88, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the comfort and dignity of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Santurce, PR on December 26, 1935, Gloria was the daughter of the late Luz Maria Pino and Eladio Rodriguez. She was raised and received her education in Santurce. Gloria later married her sweetheart, Julio Rios, Sr., and together they moved to Utica in 1956 where they made a home and life for themselves. Gloria worked several jobs throughout her life. She was employed by the CONMED Corporation and Abelove’s Linen Supply Co. all while increasing and raising her extensive family of fourteen children. Gloria loved to travel, these trips were not exotic but consisted of putting her family in the station wagon and taking long drives just to see the beauty everywhere and in everything. She enjoyed dancing and going to see a movie. She had the ability to see joy in most everything and everyone. Her greatest joy of all was taking care of her fourteen children and many grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished until her last breath. Gloria was of the Catholic faith and attended Historic Old St. John’s Church for many years. She was a very strong believer in God and Jesus and her family takes comfort that she is now resting in heaven with her Lord and Savior. She was truly an amazing person, mother, and friend to so many. She will be missed but never forgotten by her family and friends. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Julio Rios, Sr.; son, Rafael Rios; and daughter, Elizabeth Rios Pagan. Surviving are her beloved children, Antonio Rios (OH), Melito Rios (Utica), Milagros Rios and her spouse, Miguel Acevedo (OH), Julio Rios, Jr. (ID), Carmen Lindsay and her spouse, Patrick (Barneveld), Gladys Rios (Utica), Judy Rios Lugo and her spouse, Ismael Lugo (Utica), Betty Rios (Utica), Betsy Murray (Utica), Gloria Rios Quiles (Rome), Isreal Rios (Utica), and Luis Rios (Utica); approximately 75 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. Gloria is also survived by one very special friend and companion, Luis DeJesus; her cherished dog, Ceaser; and many, many friends that she loved and cared for including Minerva Vasquez, and Tina McConkey. The family wishes to thank Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for all their help and care for Gloria in the last several months. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Gloria’s honor may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donations; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. This obituary was lovingly written by Gloria’s family.

Gloria E. (Rodriguez) Rios

December 26, 1935 - September 19, 2024