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Mr. Antonio Rios, 72 of Charlotte, NC departed this life on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville.

Antonio Rios, a beloved veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on May 8, 2023. His life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family, country, and community. Antonio was born in the small town of Utuado, Puerto Rico, on July 9, 1950. He was the son of Maria Pace Figueroa, Antonio Rios Senior, and stepfather Louis Pace, whom he was raised by. After relocating to Newark, NJ, at a young age, Antonio received his education in the Newark Public School System and successfully graduated from West Side High School. During this time, Antonio was exposed to the military lifestyle by his stepfather Louis, who also served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Antonio's love for the ocean and desire to serve his country led him to enlist in the United States Navy in August of 1968. He followed in the footsteps of previous family members who had also served in the Armed Forces. Antonio valued his service highly and attained the Machinist Mate Second Class (MM2) rank. He received a National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation and numerous letters of appreciation during his service. Antonio's dedication to his country inspired all who knew him.

After his discharge, Antonio Rios was employed as an ironworker with the District Council Ironworkers in northern New Jersey until his retirement. Antonio was a devoted husband and father. From his first marriage union, he became a loving father to his beautiful children, Antonio Rios and Lisa Maria Rios Laws, currently residing in central New Jersey. Antonio later joined in union with his wife Barbara LaNier-Rios and son Marlowe . They lived in the Oranges of New Jersey and later moved to Willingboro, NJ. In 2011, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Antonio Rios was a kind and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had an appreciation for nature and spent his pastime manicuring his lawn and planting beautiful flowers. He will be missed by many.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara Rios; children Antonio Rios, Lisa Rios Laws (William Laws) and Marlowe LaNier (Tonya LaNier); grandchildren, Devon, Kyle, Sydney, Trevor, KeShawn, Darian, DeMar, and Delilah ; and great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Caleb. Also in mourning are his loving sisters, Edith Cedeno Rios, Ada Iris Toro Rios, Linda Rios, Carmen Millet Rios, Norma Rios, Margaret Pena Pace; youngest brother, Francisco Pace Figueroa; his dear niece, Carla Figueroa, along with a host of nieces and nephews.