David Alberto Rios DeLoera

1986—2019

David Alberto Rios DeLoera died unexpectedly at home on November 1, 2019 at the age of 33.

David is survived by his parents, Severiano and Fifi DeLoera; his grandparents, Rafael and Ofelia Rios; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Benjamin DeLoera and Maria de Jesus Segura; his uncle, Raul DeLoera,and his beloved cousin, Damian Maldonado.

David was born at St. Helena Hospital on August 29, 1986. He attended St. Helena schools, graduating from Madrone High School in 2004. David found his passion for food and trained as a chef with Napa Valley College’s Cooking School, graduating at the top of his class in 2008. Most recently he was self-employed as a chef and had plans to venture into a full-time catering partnership with his parents. David worked both as a chef and in management, including employment with Frontera Grill in Chicago, Gott’s Roadside and Burger Fi, both of Napa Valley.

David had great pride in his heritage. He admired his parents along with all of those in his family that provided powerful examples of hard work and determination. His parents instilled a love of food, music, and travel in David. In his own words, “If you can’t find me in NorCal, you may want to check Chicago, Las Vegas, LA, or especially the central state of Zacatecas, deep in Mexico, far away from swim-up bars and piña coladas. There, on my grandparents’ farm is where the inspiration for my culinary career was born.”

In addition to his talents as a chef, David was a mentor and great friend to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, respectfulness, loving heart and joyous soul. Those close to him will fondly remember him as a passionate singer and lover of banda and tacos.

Public viewing at Tulocay Nov 11, 4-8 pm (rosary at 6 pm). Private burial. Public celebration of life at St Helena Catholic Church Nov 12 at 1 pm. In David’s honor, the family requests donations be made to Damian Maldonado Memorial Scholarship Foundation 1460 Grayson Ave. St Helena CA 94574.

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