Reynaldo Riojas Sr.

In Loving Memory of Reynaldo Riojas Sr.

Reynaldo “Rey” Riojas Sr., a proud veteran, civil servant, faithful Catholic, and Inspector for the US Government, passed away peacefully at his home in Weslaco on April 10th, 2024. 

Rey was born on May 11th, 1932, in Elsa, Texas, the firstborn of Pedro and Herminia Rodriguez Riojas. He and his four siblings grew up in Elsa. Rey joined the military in 1948 and dedicated his career to the US Air Force in 1950. 

While on leave, Rey met his soulmate, Emelia, at a dance at the Veterans Hall in Weslaco on October 7th, 1957. They were married the following year, on May 4th, 1958. Rey was honorably discharged in 1972, and he and Emelia returned to Weslaco, where they would raise their two boys and embrace the community. 

Rey worked for the USDA from 1972 to 1979 while attending Pan American University. In 1976, he earned his BBA in Accounting. Rey went to work for the US Department of Justice from 1979 to 2003 and eventually retired from the US Marshals Service in 2005. His commitment to duty and unwavering work ethic left an indelible mark on all who worked alongside him.

When Rey wasn’t working, he found joy in hobbies such as hunting and fishing, exploring new destinations through travel, and gardening. Rey loved football and, of course, the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed a good barbecue and family meals, during which he cherished moments with his children and beloved grandchildren. 

Rey was a family man and instilled the values of discipline, love, service, education, and religion. He led by example. 

His devotion to Emelia was unwavering. Whenever they had time, Rey loved to take Emelia out dancing and travel around the US and the World.

Rey was a devoted community member and believed in giving back. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, serving in various capacities. 

Rey loved to give advice. His advice about education served his children well, and he continued to advise his grandchildren, whom he adored. 

Most important to Rey was his Catholic faith, which he demonstrated through his work ethic, love, and dedication as a husband and father.

Rey is preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Herminia Riojas, his brother, Rene Riojas, and brother-in-law, Enrique San Miguel. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Emelia; their sons, Reynaldo “Rey” Riojas Jr. (Lydia) and Pedro Riojas (Michele); brother, Ruben Riojas (Amparo); sister, Celia San Miguel; sister-in-law, Ramona Riojas, grandchildren, Larissa Riojas DO, Iraceli Riojas, Laura Anguiano (Albert), Adriana Soto, DDS (Raul), Karen Selman DDS (Jared), Delicia Riojas, Peter V. Riojas (Nicole), and Andrea Riojas, great-grandchildren, Sofia Soto, Arabella Anguiano, and Joan Selman, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be on Friday, April 12th, 2024, from 4:00–9:00 pm, with a Holy Rosary at 6 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at 9 am, followed by a mass at 1:30 pm at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. Burial will follow at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes. 

Serving as Pallbearers will be Freddy Martinez Jr, Ruben Cardenas Jr, Peter Riojas, Richie San Miguel, Roy San Miguel, Gibby Cardenas, Mando Martinez, and Armando Cardenas. Honorary Pallbearers will be Albert Anguiano Jr, Raul Soto, Jared Selman, Alfredo Guzman, Ian Riojas, Ethan Riojas, Zachary Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, and David Rodriguez.