"Deacon Riojas:You are in peace now. Thank you for being there with us and Aimee. You were a blessing when she needed it the most. Now she can bring you joy in heaven. You both can play and sing with the angels. You were a man of God. Our prayers are with you family from Florencio and Sonia Lopez."
In loving memory of
John Ernest Riojas Jr.
September 14, 1936 - January 8, 2015
On January 08, 2015, surrounded by family and friends, our beloved Deacon John Ernest, Jr. Riojas, 78, of Buda returned home to continue living his eternal life with our Lord. Deacon John also known by his beloved family as Sonny is survived by his wife, Vicky of 38 wonderful years, brothers: Arthur of Los Angeles, Jesse of Austin, & Edward & his wife Andrea, of Austin. Pall bearers will be nephews: Eddie Lynn, Brent, Brandon, Jacob, Xavier & HerbieJohn is preceded by his father, John Riojas, Sr. his mother, Bennie Riojas & his sister Rosemarie Lafuente. Deacon John was born in Austin, Texas, September 14, 1936. He served in the Air Force from 1955 to 1963. John retired from Sysco Food services in 1998 after 26 years. He was ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Austin in 2003 and has faithfully served our Lord for all these years at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. The legacy of his ministry will be lovingly remembered by many for years to come. John deeply and unconditionally loved his wife, his family and his friends and his family of Santa Cruz Catholic Church to the fullest every day. He showed them in countless ways throughout their lives their importance in his own. He has left them with a legacy of faith, love, & trust in God that will be felt for generations.The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Texas Oncology, Dr. P. Chadha, & Dr. Russell Krienke of ARC., & Heart to Heart Hospice of San Marcos. In addition, appreciation to Seton Hays, Legend Oaks and the Staff of Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. We appreciate the guidance, patience, & understanding that we were given every step of the way. We are ever grateful for their kindness & love shown to our family.Services for John will be held at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, Texas (1100 Main Street): Tuesday, January 13th viewing at 5:00 pm followed with Rosary at 7pm. The funeral Mass will be at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 14th at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio at later date. Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, Texas is handling all the arrangements for the services.
Tributes
"Dear Vicky Riojas,My sincere condolences to you and your family. I regret not able to come but I as well am ill. My prayers are always with you. GOD Bless You!! From Margarita & Refugio Gonzales"
"Sonny, the Lord God and His Jesus Christ called you home; being that perhaps your mother, father and sister Rose Marie missed you a lot. Since in Our Father in Heavenly Kingdom there are many mansions; there is space! Deacons are needed to continue their faithful spreading of the Word that you were happily doing on Eth A whole bunch of your amigos/amigas from East Austin/Palm Park will also be glad to see you!Con mucho Amor!"
"Hermano diacono, que El Senor te reciba en su Santo Reino. Que el Senor te reciba con sus palabras "Entra a la casa que Dios te tiene preparada fiel siervo.Mi pesame a toda su familia, y los feligreses de Santa Cruz.Que Dios los bendiga.Diacon Jose Jimenez."
"Glory be to God, the gates of heaven are open. Angels are singing; Mom, Dad, our beloved sister, Rose Marie, brother in-law Henry LaFuente, newphews Henry Lafuente, Jr.and Herbert LaFuente. Also, Deacon John's father in-law, mother in-law, and brother in-law. What a reunion it must be. God Bless you my wonderful brother, I love you with all my heart. Eddie"
"Deacon John will for ever be in our hearts. Thank you for being the humble, loving and faith-filled person who enriched our lives with your presence and countless prayers. We will miss you so much, but rejoice in the knowledge that you are home with the Lord.Vicky we thank you for always selflessly sharing Deacon with us. Thank you for the treasured memories of special times shared with both of youGod bless , LoveDino & Angie"