Stephen Rios

Funeral Director

Stephen is a Mexican-American Chicano who was born and raised in Northern Los Angeles County until he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as an Aviation Ordnanceman (IYAOYAS) in an F/A-18F Strike Fighter Squadron called The World Famous Fighting Blacklions (VFA-213). In 2017, he took part in a combat deployment with his squadron, participating in Operation Inherent Resolve and the 2017 Shayrat missile strike in Syria.

Stephen graduated from Tidewater Community College in 2023, earning two different Associate’s degrees in two fields of study, cum laude. Currently, he is pursuing his undergraduate degree in peace and conflict studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a keen interest in international diplomacy and grievance mediation. Stephen’s true passion lies in healing others, firmly believing that every individual deserves respect and peace regardless of the conflicts and challenges they face throughout their lives. Whether it involves family mediation or finding common ground between nations on the brink of war, Stephen believes that one cannot truly live up to their full potential until they achieve inner peace.

Stephen, a Navy veteran, and his four immediate family members are all recipients of the United States Gold Star Survivor designation. This unique position allows them to empathize with other active-duty families who have suffered the sudden and unexpected loss of their servicemember. As a Gold Star family, the Rios’ actively contribute to numerous organizations and play vital roles in advocating for military, veterans, and Gold Star Families at different levels of government. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys reading, baking, surfing, playing soccer and spending time running and hiking with his two Shiba Inus named Furrina and Kira, as well as his Yorkie Terrier named Khloe, who loves to tag along for the piggy back rides.