Stephen Francis "Steve" Barzizza

1954 - 2023

Stephen Francis (Steve) Barzizza, a lifelong and proud Memphian, passed away on December 16, 2023.

Steve, the youngest child of Joe and Kitty Barzizza, was born on September 5, 1954. He attended St. Dominic School and graduated with the Class of 1973 from Christian Brothers High School. He also attended St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama.

After working with his family at Barzizza Brothers, Steve, who inherited a love of cooking, developed a catering business with his wife, Catherine. Following his employment at Southwestern Distributing as a beer division sales manager, Steve realized his dream of owning a restaurant, Forest Hill Grill in Germantown. His health forced him to retire from this too soon, but he continued to visit with customer friends and employees.

Always accompanied by his best dog friend, Bella, Steve was no stranger to Facebook, where he chronicled his life adventures. Steve's warmth and humor created a legacy of laughter, love and a genuine connection with those fortunate enough to have shared in his journey. In his own words, "Outstanding!"

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Joe, brother Joe Jr, brothers-in-law Michael Rhodes and Steve Hollis, and sister-in-law Anne Rhodes Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, son Michael (Kaitlin Lawson), and five cherished grandchildren who loved their "Buddy" – Noah, Jack, Ellis, Olivia and Elliot. Steve also leaves his mother, Kitty, brother, George (Libba), sisters-in-law Dale Barzizza, Mary Jane Hollis, Dee Ruhl (Dr. F.G. Ruhl), Tricia Jones, brother-in-law Greg Phillips, Aunt Jane McIntosh, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the Barzizza, Bland, and Rhodes families.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6th, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Louis Catholic Church followed by a Mass at 12:00. A reception will be held in the Clunan Center after the service. Entombment will follow at the family mausoleum at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Louis Catholic Church www.stlouischurchmphs.org or Christian Brothers High School www.cbhs.org or a charity of their choice.