Rick Jason Rio
July 27, 1966 - November 4, 2024
On Monday, November 4, 2024, Rick Jason Rio, loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 58. Rick believed in a loving God, his plan, and is now resting in peace with him. Rick was born to Ricardo and Barbara Rio in 1966. He was the original member of the Rio Trio. The bond Rick, Kristin and Brandon share will never be broken. He lived and grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and graduated from Viewmont High School in 1984.
Rick was extremely close to his family, and he deeply loved his parents, siblings, children, niece and grandchildren. He received unconditional love and support his entire life from his amazing parents and family. He loved being a grandpa, known as “Pappy” and he cherished his visits. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their frequent family get togethers and BBQs. Rick was the designated grill master. Rick was handy with tools and when able, Rick was always willing to give a helping hand. Rick had a great love of music throughout his life and at one time had a DJ business with his best friend, John McKay. Rick’s passion of music was shared with so many people. It inspired the kids to love listening to music as well as playing musical instruments during their childhood.
Rick loved vintage muscle cars and spent many years working with his dad doing auto body and restoring cars. Watching Mecum Auctions was a pastime with his dad to see all the classic cars fixed up. Rick was also a big Broncos and Jazz fan and enjoyed watching sports with his dad. Rick’s bright smile and sweet spirit will be forever missed by his entire immediate family, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and close longtime friends. Rick cared for the mothers of his kids, Jennifer Rio and Julie Strosser. He also had a special lifelong bond with his closest friend, Wendy Lund.
Rick is survived by his parents Ricardo and Barbara Rio; children Alicia Duford, Mercedeez (Sadeez) McBride (Ricky), Krystal Rio, and Jason Rio; niece Alexis Gillette (Anthony Savage); grandchildren Drayson Duford, Dakston Duford, Ashlyn Duford, and Victoria (Tori) Kesselbrenner; sister Kristin Rio Gillette; brother Brandon Rio; and son-in-law Dave Kesselbrenner. Rick was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Troy Gillette.
Rick’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the Bountiful Paramedics and Lakeview Hospital staff for their help, compassion, and support to Rick and his family.
Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Rick’s life at an open house on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Bountiful Elks Lodge, 544 West 400 North, Suite A, Bountiful, UT 84010.
In Loving Memory
Rick, you will be missed by many! I’ll remember how good you were to Tori, and the sports talks we had. RIP
David Kesselbrenner
Salt Lake City, UT
Gone too soon Buddy! I have such fond memories of listening to great music in your basement and you playing the drums along with Led Zeppelin and too many others to list. We went to a lot of concerts together and it was awesome to have a good friend to foster a love of good music. I appreciate all the good times we had. Until we meet again!
David Jarvis
Salt Lake City, UT
Sad to hear that Ricky had passed. We were best friends growing up, wandering the creek behind his house, taking the bus in to work for his dad in the store he owned at the time, just to make enough money in quarters to go to trolley games, before heading back to bountiful. Rest in peace my friend.
Kelly anderson
Hurricane, Utah
My heart is full as I remember so many fond memories of Ricky. We shared a passion for music, cars, dirt bikes and so many other things. Ricky introduced me to my favorite rock band (RUSH) and took me to my first RUSH concert. We even started a band and played live at high school battle of the bands. We weren’t good, but we believed we were. We took drum lessons together, we frequently rode our dirtbikes at the 'B' and always chased the girls. I developed a true love and respect for Ricky’s parents and siblings as we spend so many hours at their home. Barb’s put up with so much noise from us as we spent hours playing and listening to music in the basement of her home. She was always happy to have us at her home. I remember so many times visiting Ricardo at the shop in West Bountiful and listening to his wisdom as I waited for Ricky to finish his tasks. Let’s not forget Kristin and Brandon… they always treated me like a brother and I grew to love them as such. Thank you Ricky for all the good times. You were my very best friend for so many years. I regret losing touch with you as I moved to St. George so many years ago. You left us too soon. I will see you again buddy.... but not yet..
Joe Kirton
St. George, UT
I am so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Your family is in my thoughts and I hope you are able to find confort, peace. and support through family and friends. I am sure he will be watching over all of you. Take care and love to you Kristin and family.
Julie Booker
Mukilteo, WA