John Alan Rioux passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 in his small group home, Francis House, in Granger, Indiana. John was a beloved husband, father and friend to many.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 18, 1943, to Elizabeth and Joseph Rioux, John grew up in a lively home with siblings Barbara, Joe, Jim, Jerry, and Jay. He attended St. Brigid’s Elementary School with some of his dearest friends including the love of his life, Diane Plenda. John was a standout athlete at Catholic Central High School, playing football and track and proudly winning the 1961 State Championship with his basketball team. A scholarship opportunity led him to John Carroll University where he played football and earned a degree in business.

After teaching at a Catholic middle school, John worked for Xerox which led to bigger opportunities at Burroughs and then Unisys. John’s competitive nature served him well in the business world proving to be a master salesman and motivational speaker. His big smile and laugh filled a room the minute he entered and could turn a simple business dinner into an unforgettable night. His job took him and his wife all over the world including Australia and Italy to name a few. Thanks to his success as a top executive V.P. of sales, John was able to provide a wonderful and fulfilling life to his wife and seven children.

One of the happiest days of his life was marrying Diane who brought him the most joy. Early days were spent growing his family, celebrating life with friends and working hard. John proudly sent his children to Catholic schools and was a constant presence in their lives, from coaching them in sports to listening to them play piano in the living room. His devotion extended to his children in their happiest of celebrations to their greatest times of need. John’s pride for his family is immeasurable.

What mattered most to John was that his children and grandchildren were all happy and good people. As newborns, John would rock his grandchildren in his giant arms and as they grew, he told tales of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Mighty Mouse. His favorite place was on the porch of his cottage on Van Etten Lake, watching his family create lifelong memories together over many Fourth of Julys. When telling him “I love you,” John’s reply to his family was always, “I love you more.”

His children and grandchildren will never forget him saying, “You’re a Rioux; if you try hard, you’ll do good.”

Next to his family, John loved Catholic Central High School, Notre Dame Football and Michigan State Basketball. He loved his friends like they were family. He enjoyed a good Manhattan while listening to Bing Crosby or watching The Sound of Music. John was a dedicated Catholic, always insisted on looking at the bright side, and never turned down an offer of ice cream. Faithful, generous, loyal, strong, John was passionate about his beliefs, a dedicated family man, and tough as nails. Even in his final chapter at Francis House, John’s spirit remained unbroken. Though he lost his voice, he communicated through his intense blue eyes—still offering a joke or a moment of kindness to the caregivers who treated him with such dignity.

Survived by children John (Mikala) Rioux, Jerry (Debra) Rioux, Mary Jo (Gunnard) Johnson, Michele (Joseph) Loughran, Martha (Guy) Vendittelli, Maureen (Caesar) Weston, and Jaclyn (Patrick) Lerg. Also survived by his 21 grandchildren (John, Molly, and Nora Rioux; Jordyn and Jack Rioux; Trey, Nick, and Luke Johnson; Reilly, Lily and Finn Loughran; Henry and Charlie Vendittelli; May, Lucy, CJ, Quinn, Penny, and Millie Weston; Ben and James Lerg). Also survived by brother Jerry (Mary Anne Rioux), sister-in-law Patricia Rioux and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by wife Diane (Plenda), parents Joseph and Elizabeth Rioux, and siblings Joseph (Nancy) Rioux, Barbara Rizner, James (Elaine) Rioux, Jay (Patty) Rioux.

Visitation for John will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at O'Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan. Visitation will continue on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Detroit Catholic Central High School, 27225 Wixom Road, Novi, Michigan, and will end when the Funeral Mass begins at 10:00 a.m.

John will be laid to rest beside his beloved late wife, Diane, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan following the Funeral Mass.