Johnny Rio

Johnny Rio passed away peacefully on June 18, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born on October 21, 1940 in Oakland, California to Manuel and Carmen Rio. He later moved to Fremont where he was a resident for 51 years.

Johnny married Diane Dance in 1961 and was married for 5 years. They had two children, Kimberly and John. On June 22, 1968 he married Shirley Rio and had three children, Jason, Joshua and Manuel. John and Shirley were happily married for 53 years until his passing.

John was survived by his wife Shirley Rio, His children, Kimberly and husband Irv, John and wife Kasey, Jason and wife Lisa D., Joshua and wife Lisa P., Manuel and wife Stephanie; Siblings, Anne Goodrich and Mercy Guardino; 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Carmen and his four siblings, Carmen Lococo, Manuel Rio, Frances Butler and Joe Rio.

Johnny partnered at an automotive shop in San Francisco and drove tow trucks until he joined his brother Manuel at the Di Guilio Pontiac dealership where he repaired cars for 18 years. He then became a teacher at Sequoia National Institute and later Wyotech. He was a teacher for 20 years earning his GED on the way.

He was an artist and loved to paint. He took his passion for painting and did pinstriping on cars. He was the neighborhood plumber and would pick up a hammer and saw to build things like a toy shed. His daughter had him build many things such as a bird cage, a bird aviary and a club house. He also with the help of his son Manny and his grandchildren restored a 68 Camaro.

John was an amazing father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and neighbor to all. He wore many hats and kept his family close. He regarded everyone as family and always made everyone feel like part or the Rio Family. He always welcomed all in.

John was a man well gifted with many talents. He will be missed and never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Friday July 2, 2021 at 10 AM at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538.