Charlie Serna Rios

Charlie Rios passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Community Center Hospice Unit, on May 15, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family after a courageous battle of unknown origin. His care by the medical staff was led by outstanding, dedicated service, care, and loving concern.

Charlie was born in Rincon, located near Hatch, in southern New Mexico. He was the youngest child of Feliciano Rios and Consuelo Serna Rios. The family moved to Albuquerque and settled in Martineztown. Charlie graduated as a proud Bulldog from Albuquerque High School, where he participated in track and excelled in running relays, earning his letter jacket.

He worked as an apprentice butcher at Jaramillos Meat Market learning how to cure carne seca and cut meat briefly, then joined the United States Navy and served his country honorably from November 1966 until October 1968 during the Vietnam War era.

After his service he worked at PNM Electric for a few years, before being hired as a custodian at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he earned kudos for his diligence to his job. Later he worked at the Knights of Columbus organization in the downtown area, as a bartender and managing. He made many friends, being the friendly guy he was.

Charlie had several hobbies, playing outstanding bowling at several bowling lanes in the city and golfing with friends. He often played with Carl Elgar and his son Danny Elgar, as well as making trips visiting family in southern New Mexico. In later years, he joined The Niners Golf association with his brother-in-law, Dan Sandoval. They may not have been great golfers, but they had a hell of a lot of fun. Afterwards, enjoying a meal of huevos rancheros, red, over easy at a local restaurant.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Feliciano Rios; his mother, Consuelo Serna Rios; his wife, Isabel Rios; his sister, Theresa Rios Sandoval; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Gomez. He leaves his large and beloved family including but not limited to: his daughter, Carla Rios; his sister, Cecelia Rios Gomez and daughter, Judy Gomez; Michael Gomez and wife, Tina; Jesus Rios and wife, Sherry; daughter, Eileen Rios Stump, husband, Daniel; daughter, Elaine Rios Martinez, husband, Jerry; Tiffany Martinez-Padilla; son, Jesus Jose Martin Rios, and Daniel Sandoval, brother-in-law.

A Graveside service will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE.