Frank Fonseca Riojas

Funeral Mass is under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas and will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 am at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Smiley, Texas with Father Ouseph officiating. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am before Mass at the church. Interment will follow at Burriola Cemetery in Smiley, Texas.

Frank was born on March 24, 1945 in Nixon, Texas. He was the son of Jose Angel and Cipriana (Fonseca) Riojas. Upon graduating from high school, Frank was drafted into the US Army where he served active duty for two years and obtained the rank of SGT. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. Upon his release from active duty, he served another four years in the US Army Reserves. He married Madalena Perales on May 2, 1970 in Smiley, Texas at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church. Frank liked to go fishing, and working out. He played the guitar, and was a Deacon at Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church. He liked to play bingo, as well as calling bingo games. He did volunteer work as a translator for the schools. He was a member of the city counsel for two terms, and also a member of the Social Concerns Committee. Frank was very involved in his church, serving as President of Saint Philip Benizi Mens Club, serving on the Parrish Advisory Council, and the Supervisors Advisory Committee, as well as serving as Co-Chairman of the Ministerial Alliance.

Frank is survived by his wife; Madalena Perales Riojas, one son; Ray Riojas and his wife, Ruby of Nixon, Texas, one daughter; Rita McGough and her husband, Matt of Flower Mound, Texas, two brothers; Angelo Riojas, Jr. of Nixon, Texas, Pedro Riojas and his wife, “Mayor” Dorothy of Nixon, one sister; Irene Rodriguez of Nixon, Texas, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Jose Angel and Cipriana Riojas, and one brother; Johnny Riojas.

Pallbearers for Mr. Riojas will be; Peter Riojas, Jr., Samuel Riojas, Daniel Perales, Samuel Perales, Victor Perales, and Isaac Perales.

To join the family in celebrating Frank’s life and to offer words of comfort, please go to: www.buffingtonfuneralhomegonzales.com

The family request memorials be made to Saint Phillip Benizi Catholic Church in Smiley, Texas, and Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Nixon, Texas in lieu of flowers.