Tomas Rios, 62, went to his eternal rest on January 23rd, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on October 15th, 1963, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, teacher, and coach whose life was defined by dedication, service, and love.
Tomas was married for 40 years to his beloved wife, Alma Rios Torres, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Thomas James Rios and Anicia M. Rios, and by his three cherished grandchildren: Aaliyah, Alyssa, and Tyler J. Rios.
He is also survived by his mother, Maria Josefa Rios, and his siblings: Cesarea (Larry) Germain, Araceli (Jim) Godwin, Eduardo C. (Alma) Rios, Idalia (Manuel) Pulido, Diana (German Garcia) Rios, and Belinda (Manuel) Cortinas, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is further survived by his in-laws, Santiago Torres and Benita Torres, his sisters-in-laws, Melissa T. (Juan) Rodriguez, and Michelle Torres, his nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in eternal rest by his father, Tomas Rios Villarreal.
Known fondly as Tom, Coach Rios, and “The Legend,” he dedicated 35 years to teaching Mathematics and coaching football, basketball, tennis, etc. with Brownsville ISD. He also taught for three years at Saint Joseph Academy. All together, he devoted 38 years to education. He touched countless lives through his passion for education, mentorship, and character-building.
Tomas will be remembered for his loving, humorous, and gentle spirit, his patience, and his unwavering commitment to his students, athletes, and family. He was very outgoing, always willing to help, and was the mediator in all situations. His legacy lives on in the many lives he shaped and the family he loved so deeply.
The active pallbearers for this service are Thomas James Rios, Eduardo Rios, Manuel Cortinas, Marco Cortinas, Aaron Cortinas, Manuel A. Vega, Juan J. Rodriguez, and Nathan R. Garcia.
The honorary pallbearers for this service are Santiago Torres, Juan Vera, Eric Vera, Tyler J. Rios, Larry Germain, Jim Godwin, Manuel Pulido, German Garcia Cano, Tyrone Powers, Terry Hoover, Christopher Germain, Andrew Germain, Anthony Ruelas, and Anicia M. Rios.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Brownsville, Texas. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 6:00 PM. The chapel at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home will open at 8:00 AM on Friday, February 6th, 2026. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Luke Catholic Church in Brownsville, Texas. Interment will take place at 11:00 AM at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.
May he rest in eternal peace. Tomas (Tom), you are “The Legend” who will always live in our hearts. We will always remember your favorite phrase: “Give it all you’ve got, let’s kick some butt, and stay mentally strong!”
Love and miss you.
13 Comments
Rest In Peace Mr Rios you meant alot to the class of 2030 I will never forget the time when you would let us solve math problems on your iPad, or when you would always be at 2% on your apple pencil. Thank You Sir you were forever my favorite math teacher.
I’m saddened by the loss of such a kind classmate. He was always kind to me and everyone I saw him around. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Praying that the family finds comfort during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Hold on to the memories. With God before you, nothing can stand against you.
My condolences. Tom was a great person .
Dear Alma,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a dedicated educator and a caring mentor to so many students and teachers. His kindness, wisdom, and commitment made a lasting difference in many lives.
Please know that Nago and I send our most sincere condolences to you and your family. We hope you find comfort in the love and memories that surround you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,Alma Garcia
Love you Tom forever in my heart ❤️
The best brother ever .
You will be missed💔
May our Lord embrace you in his loving arms ,one more angle in heaven
The Legend for ever in my heart from you sister Diana
My condolences to the Rios and Torres family. May God bless everyone.
He always had a ready smile. He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. My condolences to the family.
My Condolences to you and your family. YOU on now safe with he Angels 😇 in heaven.
A wonderful kind soul who made everyone around him smile. Condolences to Tom’s family.
I had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Rios, and his dedication to his students and colleagues never went unnoticed. He brought patience, consistency, and heart into everything he did. His impact will continue to be felt in the lives he shaped. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Tom was funny, joyful, and made the people around him happier. I’m grateful I got to work with him. God Bless his family.
RIP my friend ,I met Tom at Lopez HS,back in 97,he was such a nice and very humble person,I’ll never forget him,may he rest in peace!!!!!
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