Thomas Fredrick Rios

Thomas Fredrick Rios of Shaler, age 89, passed January 13, 2022 in his home surrounded by loved ones. Born March 6, 1932 to Jose and Adella Rios in Pittsburgh, he married beloved wife Monica on October 10, 1959. He is survived by his 3 siblings, Violet, Lea, and Fredrick, 7 children, Marian (Kevin), Joseph (Beth), Theresa (David), Andrew, Thomas Jr. (Karen), Anne (Terry), and Catherine (Stephen), 13 grandchildren, Grant, Amanda (Mike), Evan (Samantha), Angela (Zach), Michael (Kimberly), Jenna (Ben), Nick (Marissa), Christa, Jacob, Jeremy, Thomas, Brianna, Adella, and Dylan, and 8 Great Grandchildren, Dorian, Elias, Sophia, Cayson, Oliver, Theo, Annabelle, and Liv. Growing up attending Sharpsburg High School, Thomas was an accomplished athlete, excelling in baseball, football, basketball, softball and bowling. A veteran, Thomas joined the army and served in Korea. After his service he worked his way through the electrical contracting industry, starting his own company TJR-Enterprises with his son, Joseph. Outside of work he was an avid baseball and softball player and coach. He loved being involved in all sports within his community. Teaching and coaching his children and grandchildren was one of his greatest joys. Thomas AKA “Big” was irrationally stubborn and unabashedly honest with everyone he met. He stirred up drama as a pastime and would relish in the chaotic absurdity of life. He also cared, he cared more than anyone. He cared for his family, his friends, his sports, his country-western television movies, his cars, and his work. Above all else, Big left an impression on everyone he met throughout the years, cultivating a loving family, a successful business, and a circle of influence spanning 3 generations in his community. He was preceded in death by his late sister Florence, and his great-grandchild Julian. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Emma Munson Foundation  www.EmmaMunsonFoundation.com and The Sisters of Divine Province, www.cdpsisters.com No Visitation, Family and Friends will be welcome for a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the King Parish, Saint Mary Church in Sharpsburg on Saturday 1/15/22 at 10am. Reception to follow at Rear End Gastropub & Garage in Etna.

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