James “Rio” Riopel
HIGHGATE: James “Rio” Riopel passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, with his son, Skylar, and former wife, Deb Riopel, by his side at McClure-Miller Respite House. He was born in Holyoke, MA on November 15, 1963, the son of Rheal and Jeanne (Goddu) Riopel.
Rio worked as a mechanic and parts salesman for Ryder in Burlington and as a parts salesman for Clark’s Truck Center in Jericho, where he made many friends throughout Vermont. Rio would often boast, “Who wouldn’t want to travel throughout the beautiful state of Vermont?” Rio was influential in the Skills USA mechanics division and loved helping to encourage and educate youth in the auto industry.
Rio was larger than life, he lived fast and loved hard. He loved his family and wanted them to experience and enjoy life as he did. Rio’s first passion was racing. He spent countless hours working on cars, working in pit crews, and racing with his brother, Ron. One of his favorite sayings was “Rubbing is Racing.” He loved NASCAR and all the races he was able to experience.
Rio’s second passion was cruising, where he completed over 25 cruises in the Caribbean and Europe with his family and friends. He also loved a good Blackjack Tournament and trips to the casinos with his family. Rio loved to travel and see new places. He was always planning his next cruise. He had a “live for today attitude” and believed that life is too short.
Rio leaves behind his son, Skylar Riopel and his partner, Nicole Stevens of St. Albans, daughter, Samantha and her husband, Matthew Lee of Bradenton, FL and granddaughter, Sedona Lee. In addition to his children, he also leaves behind his brothers, Gary and Angie Riopel, Ron Riopel and his partner, Helen Jarvis, George and his wife, Cindy Riopel, and his sister, Patty Riopel, as well as many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Rio leaves his extended family, Sally Riopel, Ace Gover and Angela, and Mark Rollins.
Rio was predeceased by his parents, Jeanne and Rheal Riopel, brother, Frank Riopel, sister, Sue Riopel, nieces, Marcie and Nadine Morales, and nephew, Kevin Morales.
Rio’s family would like to give special thanks for the care and compassion to the staff at Porter Hospital in Middlebury and the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester.
A private celebration will be held for Rio at a later date.
Rio’s family asks that memorials be made to Teen Challenge of Vermont, 1296 Collins Hill Road, Johnson, VT 05656, or Skills USA Vermont, c/o Burlington Technical Center, 29 Church Street – Lower Level, Burlington, VT 05401.
Honored to be serving the family of Rio is Rett Heald of Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com
