Francisco Rioz

Francisco Rioz, 73, of Greeley, Colorado passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2025 after a swift battle with Interstitial Lung Disease (pulmonary fibrosis). 

Francisco (Frank) was born December 3, 1951 to Manuel Aragon and Guadalupe (Sanchez) Rioz/Aragon in Windsor, Colorado where he spent most of his childhood. In 1971 he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps and returned to Windsor where he met his future wife, Frances (Fran) by starting a snowball fight with her. They were married and moved to Greeley, Colorado, where he worked briefly in finance before launching his own painting company, Rioz Painting, a career he retired from after almost forty years in business. He was an avid fisherman, spending countless hours, including school days at Windsor Lake, with trips to lakes across Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Some of his favorite and craziest memories were with his fishing buddies over the years. Frank was a super fan to his many nephews and nieces and their sports, and could often be seen with a smile, cheering them on from the bleachers. He was a gifted storyteller who always made time to stay connected with friends and loved ones, and thrived on being someone people could depend on in many ways. Celebrating the accomplishments of his children and his marriage of fifty years, and lastly, his role as “Papa” to his three grandchildren were among his most cherished gifts. 

He is survived by his wife Frances (Merrill) Rioz, daughter Charlene Mayes (Robert), son Dan Rioz, granddaughter Calla Mayes, grandsons River and Forrest Mayes, siblings Victoria Morales, Hopie Rivero, Pete Rioz, Linda Rivero, and Ernestina Aragon and several extended family members that span five generations. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jesse Rioz, Luis Rioz, Richard Rios, Lawrence Rioz, Manual Aragon Jr., Andy Aragon, and sisters Rosie Ortega and Paula Hinojosa. 

A celebration of life for Frank will be held in Windsor at a later date.