Pedro Antonio Rios
In Loving Memory
January 28, 1950 - November 15, 2023
Obituary
Pedro Antonio Rios of Rego Park, known lovingly as Peter by friends, passed away peacefully on November 15th, 2023. A man whose life was a vivid tapestry of art, humor, and community, his 73 years were a testament to a life lived with curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the diverse world around him.
Born in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, on January 28th, 1950, to Eusebio Rios and Maria Ramos, Pedro was a man of many passions. His profound appreciation for nature, science, photography, and music was paralleled by his love for the rich diversity of cultures and religions. This love for the world's myriad wonders led him to make New York City his home – a place as vibrant and varied as his interests.
Pedro's career as a commercial photographer at Macy’s was distinguished by his exceptional skill in product photography, where his precise attention to detail and composition transformed ordinary objects into captivating visual stories. His work, worthy of any art exhibit, instead brought beauty and elegance to the everyday, gracing the pages of Macy's catalogs.
In the early 1990s, embodying his adventurous spirit, Pedro and his wife Miao Chwen Cheng embarked on a new venture, opening a diner. While the diner did not meet commercial success, it remained a cherished chapter in their lives, filled with fond memories and stories that Pedro would recount with warmth and humor for years to come.
Beyond his professional life, Pedro's personality was a beacon of joy and warmth. Known for his great sense of humor and social fearlessness, he had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it was through a corny joke or a deep conversation, Pedro never failed to light up the room with smiles and laughter. The rare photographs of Pedro, usually found behind the camera, often captured him reveling in the humorous side of life, especially within the dynamic backdrop of New York City.
Pedro was not just a man who captured images – he also captured moments and hearts. He was a pillar in the Rego Park community, known for his regular visits to local friends and establishments. His willingness to engage with anyone and everyone made him a beloved figure in his neighborhood.
Pedro leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Miao Chwen Cheng, and their daughter, Melissa, as well as his children Carlos, Eliezer, Maria, and Jessica. Each of his children embodies a unique aspect of his vibrant spirit and love for life. He is also survived by his brother Rafael and sisters Sensi, Nereida, and Feita, along with 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
We invite friends and family to gather for a celebration of life service which will be held to honor Pedro’s rich and colorful life. Services will be held on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 at 1pm at Sparrow Funeral Home (161 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11222). While flowers are always appreciated, we also welcome donations in Pedro’s memory to Art Start, an organization which fosters creativity in youth from communities that have been historically marginalized, as a means of honoring Pedro's passion for photography, community, and culture.