Manuel G. Rios “Meme” age 58 passed away at his residence in Alamo, Texas on December 8, 2023 from a brief illness. Meme is survived by his precious and loving mother, Esperanza Rios, and loving brothers Benedicto Don Juan Rios and Freddy Guzman. Preceded in death by his fond Father Manuel Guzman and his loving brother Raul Ismael Rios. He is also survived by his maternal aunts Natividad Aldaco (the late + Joseph Luz Aldaco) and Refugio Gonzalez (the late + Cesar Gonzalez) and many loving family members and loving friends.
Meme was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois in Pilsen at 1920 South Racine Avenue. He attended Komensky Elementary School, Cooper Upper Grade Center, and briefly at Benito Juarez High School.
Our grandmother, Anita Rios raised Meme until her death. She unconditionally loved Meme so much that she created a spoiled brat! When Meme would get into trouble as a young child, she would yell at Meme from the second floor window and say “Manuel” what are you doing?” in Spanish as she would witness his mischievous ways. He would look up at the window and point and blame everybody else and would say “Pero Welita yo no!” so everyone else could take the blame. We all spoiled Meme in more ways than one.
He was in sports growing up and baseball was his passion. Meme was an avid CHICAGO CUBS fanatic and witness the CHICAGO CUBS World Series Championship in 2016. He was a straight up Chicagoan sports fan to the heart! He was a jokester, loved to dance, and a melomaniac as he loved all genres of music.
Meme originally moved to McAllen, Texas in the year 2013, then moved to Alamo, Texas in 2018. This is where he bought his new home at Royal Palms for his mother and brother to start a new life. He worked at Bland Distribution (Bland Farms) in Donna, Texas until he gained his angel wings.
Meme cared like a brother, protected like a brother, made time for us like a brother. We are truly grateful to have had him as part of us, our bond. We are truly blessed to have Meme whom we call brother. The outspoken one, the man whose voice made a difference in times of need and petty quarrels. He was such an incredible force in our lives, a brave friend, and in our family, a dear son, brother, cousin, nephew, and stepfather, as well as a loving caring friend to his work family out in Donna, Texas.
Meme was a beacon of positivity and humor that could always be counted on to lighten any atmosphere. His life was defined by an unwavering commitment to his loved ones and an innate ability to bring joy to others. Meme’s life was a testament to the words of Albert Einstein, “Try not to become a man of success, rather become a man of value.”
The sudden passing of Meme has understandably had a devastating effect on his loving family and many loving friends. We are broken because he is gone, yet whole because he was here for a brief time. We thought we had so many decades together until the end. His memory will live in our hearts, so really we will never be apart.
His worth was not measured by the material possessions he acquired but by the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the laughter he induced. Meme was a man of great value especially to his beloved mother, Esperanza and brother Benny. They were his world and his undying love for them was evident in every action he took. Meme was a beacon of hope and a source of strength for his family. His unwavering love and dedication will forever be imprinted on their hearts. Meme’s jovial spirit and infectious laughter echoes in the hearts of all those he has left behind. His legacy will be carried forward by his beloved mother, Esperanza and his brother Benny and a community that will forever remember the man with a heart full of compassion and an undying zeal for life.
Visitation: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Christian Fellowship Church, 4220 West 59th Street Chicago, Illinois 60629 (Corner of 59th Street and Tripp Avenue) from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pastor Rodney Massey will speak of Meme’s celebration of life at 5:00 p.m. Meme’s brother, Benny will be calling to send a heartfelt message for his brother at 6:00 p.m. Cremation will be Private. Interment will take place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois on a later date.
Meme’s life was a beautiful journey that touched many hearts. Please join us in commemorating his life by sharing your memories and leaving a message for his mother and brother on this memorial page. Your shared memories will serve as a comforting reminder of the joy and liveliness that Meme brought into our lives We ask that in lieu of flowers heartfelt donations are welcomed and envelopes will be provided at the service.
For those who are unable to attend the service you can click on the link below to view his services online by clicking the following link: https://meet.google.com/hzi-uhvf-ssq?hs=224
On behalf of Meme’s mother, brother and entire family we want to thank everyone so very much for all your love and support through this difficult time in our lives. Meme will be truly missed.
