MSgt Dennis Leon Rioux, USAF, (Ret.)

Williamsburg, Va — Master Sergeant Dennis Leon Rioux (USAF, Retired) age 88 died Friday, February 24th, 2023 with his wife and children at his side at the family residence in Commonwealth Senior Living of Williamsburg, Virginia. Dennis was born in Lisbon Falls, Maine July 13, 1934 the son of Dennis Leon Rioux, Sr. and Mary “Mae” Elizabeth Fazekas. He was a 1952 graduate of Lisbon High School. He joined the Air Force in July of 1955 and on December 31, 1955 he married the former Pauline Emma LeTarte of Brunswick, Maine.

Over the next 23 years (July 1955 – June 1978), Master Sergeant Rioux’s distinguished military career took him and his family across the United States and him to tours of duty around the world. A decorated combat veteran, he served as a Master Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Crew Chief and Flight Engineer on the U. S. Air Force’s aircraft including the C-47, KC-97, C-7A Caribou and the HU-16 Albatross. His missions were frequently into forward combat areas under intense hostile enemy gunfire delivering supplies, troops and rescuing downed pilots, crews and civilians. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism for the recovery of a downed American pilot less than two miles from shore while under intense hostile gunfire and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Southeast Asia for his outstanding airmanship and courage on missions under hazardous conditions.

Dennis continued his service to his Country working as a civilian for NASA and at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station where he prepared missiles for service aboard U. S. Navy ships. Following his final retirement from government service in 1990, Dennis and Pauline returned to Brunswick, Maine to live in the family home where the family had resided while Dennis was serving in the Philippines and Vietnam. In Maine, Dennis enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, boating, camping, being outdoors, walking, Maine seafood and settling back to watch history programs. Annually from Thanksgiving through winter, Dennis and Pauline visited with family in Virginia as they made their way to Largo, Florida where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Dennis loved the Florida weather. Dennis served in service organizations and was a long-time member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 67 years Pauline; his Daughter Cynthia Ann Beeson and her husband Randy of Chesterfield, Virginia; his Son Mark William Rioux and his wife Vickie of Gloucester, Virginia; his Daughter Cheri Mae Mitchell and her husband Jon of Bradenton, Florida; Grandchildren Bradley Wayne Beeson and his Wife Emily, Brian Christopher Beeson and his Wife Caitlin, Michelle Lynn Rioux, and Dennis Logan Rioux; Great Grandchildren Brenna Nicole Beeson and Micah Grace Beeson; and eleven nieces and nephews.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, brother Richard Rioux, and three sisters Dorothy “Dottie” Brown, Elizabeth “Betty” Rioux and Shirley Houston.

A memorial service to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia Chapel, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, Virginia.

Instead of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188, (757)253-1220. You may visit https://williamsburghospice.org/ to donate in Dennis’ honor.

Arrangements for Dennis are in care of the Nelsen Funeral and Cremation Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, phone number (757)-565-1141, where memorial condolences may be expressed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/williamsburg-va/nelsen-williamsburg/5088.