Hector Rioseco

Hector Rioseco, age 82, entered into eternal life on Thursday, December 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

Hector is survived by his wife, Erena, and their four children, Maria (Brad) Yakos of Diamond; Tania (Kevin) Amerson of Villa Rica, GA; Alicia (Joe) Fabbre of Joliet, and Hector Jr of Joliet. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew (Rebecca) Yakos, Marilyn Brady, Jared and Logan Mushro, Mariano Rioseco, Ciarrah, Robert and Michael Kile, and Anthony and Ashley Fabbre; great-grandfather of Joseph and Josiah Brady. He also is survived by his brothers, Armando and Manuel; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Maxima Rioseco; his brothers, Mariano, Jose, Anibal; and his sister, Victoria.

Hector was born in Mantazas, Cuba. He was a teacher and a journalist until after the Cuban revolution at which time he focused solely on teaching. He immigrated to the United States with his wife and his oldest daughter in 1965. Hector made sure his children had an appreciation for their freedoms, their education, and that they knew the value of hard work. He taught them to be grateful for the privilege of living in the “best country in the world.”

After he arrived in the United States, Hector sponsored many families immigrating from Cuba and assisted Vietnamese families who fled during the conflict in Vietnam. During the Mariel boat lift in the early 1980s, Hector purchased a boat, hired a captain and set sail for Cuba to bring his wife’s parents and a cousin to the United States.  He lived a life of purpose and courage.

He continued his teaching career when he settled in Joliet and taught Spanish for twenty years at Joliet Catholic High School. He also taught for 5 years at Aurora East High School and retired from teaching after this time.

Hector also taught ESL classes in the community, sold insurance, and was quick to help others.

He had one life-long love, Erena, who was by his side until the very end. In their retirement years they enjoyed vacations with their children, spending time with their grandchildren, and the company of their many friends who were always welcome in their home and never left without a cup of Cuban coffee.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Hector’s physicians, the home health workers from Silver Cross Hospital and the staff at Joliet Area Community Hospice. Their care and attention in his final days meant so much to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Hector’s life will begin on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 with a chapel service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435.