Francisco Vega Riojas

Francisco Vega Riojas went to be with God on Friday, December 13th. He is survived by his mother Victoria Vega-Riojas, Father Albert Riojas, sister Angelica Riojas, Grandmother Teresa Vega, Grandfather Alfred Vega, Grandmother Rosie Leal, Aunts: Stella Duback, Sylvia Zambrano, April Carranza, Angela Salinas, and Rosalinda Kagebein, Uncles: Alfred Vega, Jr., Vincent Vega, Arturo Riojas, Isias Zambrano, Michael Duback, and many cousins.

He was so loved by everyone who came into contact with. His smile and laugh would light up a room. He loved playing and being with his grandmother Teresa, as she was his daily caregiver. Francisco was such a strong and courageous young man. He was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, and Pulmonary Atresia with VSD. On his first day of life, his condition was discovered and he fought hard to live. Through prayers and God’s blessings he was given back to us. He went on to have three open heart surgeries. One in San Antonio, and two in Philadelphia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It was through divine grace that we were lead to Philadelphia. His amazing doctors, nurses, and care team in both San Antonio and Philadelphia truly cared so well for him that he was able to thrive in life. He had such wonderful therapists, that are family now, and were truly angels who helped and pushed him to meet his physical goals. Francisco was almost about to break through and walk. He was working on his speaking and eating skills and progressing so well.

His uncle bubba said it best:

Thank you everyone for your love and support and all the miracles y’all made happen. Machito defied doctors at every turn, and fought like the warrior he was. He demonstrated the poise and power of a 100 full grown men, and endured more than most people do in a lifetime in his four years. But in the end there was too much damage, and God felt it best to end his suffering. God took his pain, struggles, and gave him peace. He earned his wings. Thank you for all of your prayers. We believe it helped keep him going, but even though he survived his last battle, the toll was too great, and it was God’s will to bring him home. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The Riojas family will welcome family and friends at 5:00p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Thursday, December 18, 2019. The Recitation of The Holy Rosary will being at 6:30 p.m., with the Requiem Mass to being at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, December 20, 2019 the Funeral Service will be held at University United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Sunset Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m.