Tributes

Lawrence Jose Riojas was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 18, 1931 He passed away peacefully in his home on October 12, 2023 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Sulima Riojas, siblings Lucille Lange, Mary Alderman, Josephine Cushman, and grandson Curtis Temple. Lawrence was also known to his community, church, family, and friends as Larry. He is survived by Mary Jane Niboli Riojas his wife of 59 years, six children who are Joe Riojas, John Riojas, Lawrence Riojas Jr., Janelle Riojas Temple, Kimberly Riojas Erwin and Anthony Riojas. Grandchildren, great grand-children, loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends also mourn the loss of their loved one. His sense of humor, infectious laugh, and generosity to people are what makes him unforgettable. Larry enlisted in the US Army for Basic Training then Jump School in 1951. He was assigned to the 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. He would earn his Parachute Badge and National Defense Service Medal. His good friend and Army buddy, Hal Abbate, would pave the way for Larry’s future in Fresno. After being honorably discharged to Texas, he soon left for Yosemite. He would ultimately work for the Yosemite Park & Curry Company as a lifeguard and worked at Badger Pass during ski season. Larry would then leave Yosemite and begin his 50-year career as a horticulturist. He would create Valley Landscaping & Maintenance Company, which became one of the largest landscaping firms in Fresno designing and maintaining commercial and residential properties. He would reach his retirement goal in 2007 at 76 years old. His gift of plant cultivation of succulents, sego palm trees, roses, vegetables, and fruits were evident in his homes in California. The art of growing and maintaining them kept his mind and body active. Larry stayed active as a lecturer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Masses and Knights of Columbus events. Larry’s faith in God and dedication was unmeasurable. This is evident in the several church pilgrimages he made to the poverty-stricken areas of Jamaica in his 70’s. In the summer of 2018, Larry and Mary Jane would start another chapter of their lives and move to Orlando, Florida to live with Janelle who provided a caring home full of love. Larry enjoyed the remainder of his years fishing, water sports, and pridefully watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Visitation will be held at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, Sunday, November 12th, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 13th, 2023 followed by interment at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Tributes

Lawrence Jose Riojas

April 18, 1931 - October 12, 2023