Dionisio Riquelme Mardones – June 3, 1942 – Nov. 3, 2026

Today we say goodbye with sorrow, but also with love and gratitude to our father, Dionisio Arcadio Mardones Riquelme, age 84, who went peacefully at 3:00 AM on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Dionisio was born in Pichi Pellahuén, south of Chile’s capital of Santiago. He moved to New York City in the early 70’s and made a permanent home in Fort Worth with his family in 1982. While our relationship may have been complicated, we know he did the best he could for his children. He broke a cycle, and we honor him for that. Despite coming from very modest means with limited access to formal education, our Dad was one of the most intelligent and self-made men we have ever known. Self-taught in multiple languages (Spanish, English and Italian that we know of), photography, and mechanics to name a few and always with an entrepreneurial spirit that carried him forward. As the first Chilean in our entire family to make his way to this country, he didn’t just build his own life here – he helped others follow. Every one of us owes our place in this country, and our own American stories, to his original American dream. Dionisio was preceded in death by his parents, Sofanor Mardones and Ema Rosa Riquelme. Those left behind to continue his story are his daughter and son-in-law, Alex and Eric Canales, and their children, Lian and Cassie; his son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Laura Mardones, and their children, Andrés and Isabel. If you have memories, stories, or photos you’d like to share, please reach out – we would love to hear them. Con todo nuestro amor y gratitud. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth 76107 817-336-0584 Related View more details from the funeral home site . Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism .