Obituary of Julio Fernando del Rio, Jr.
Julio Fernando del Rio, Jr.
Age 52, of Joliet, IL and formerly of south Florida, died Saturday June 17, 2017 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer just three weeks ago.
He was born April 14, 1965 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Edelsa and Julio del Rio, Sr. A U.S. Army Veteran, Julio served in Iraq and was honorably discharged as a Captain. He received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Miami Dade College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University.
He was the beloved husband of Delilah "DeeDee" (Burns) del Rio and the amazing and dedicated father of Angelina del Rio. He will also be dearly missed by his mother-in-law, Linda and many co-workers and friends.
To say Julio was an adventurer is an understatement. Spontaneity, risk and bravery might begin to describe his personality; however his passion for life and his desire to live every day like it were his last was only overshadowed by his unconditional and endless love for his daughter and wife.
He retired from the West Palm Beach Fire Department after serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic for over 26 years. After relocating to Joliet, IL Julio returned to healthcare, serving Silver Cross Hospital as a Registered Nurse. He truly cared about people and their well being. His desire to heal, help and fix was expressed in several forms, as he would lovingly "harass" those he loved most, especially Linda.
As a body builder, fitness was very important to Julio. His other hobbies included history, astronomy, traveling, camping, skydiving, scuba diving and roller coasters. He enjoyed a recent trip to Cedar Point and was happy to have completed building the Star Wars Death Star Lego set with Angelina just last month. He cherished every moment with his daughter; she will always be in his heart.
As it was Julio's wish, cremation rites have been accorded. He requested no formal services. For those wishing to honor him, consider bestowing a friend (or a stranger) with a random act of kindness or perhaps surprise a loved one with a spur of the moment adventure.
Rest in Peace Julio.
