Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Tommy Rizzuto Obituary
With much sorrow the family announces that Tom Rizzuto lost his battle with Pancreatic cancer on July 10, 2012, at age 73. Tom was born on Aug 2,1938 in Fernie, BC as one of 6 children to Mike and Elsie Rizzuto. Raised in Spokane WA, he graduated from North Central High, class of 1956. On June 27, 1959, Tom married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Barbara Oiland, recently celebrating their 53rd anniversary. They moved to Seattle in 1962 where Tom helped tie steel on the Space needle as well as many other Seattle landmarks. The family lived in Lake Forest Park for 45 years.
After attending classes at Eastern Washington College and serving in the Washington Air National Guard, Tom became a successful business man. He started Regal Construction, a general contracting business in 1965, building many custom homes within the Seattle area. He started Regal Hardwood Floors with his son, Jerry in 1991 and continued 'hanging doors' and doing finish work until he was 73 years old.
Known simply as "Coach" to many youth in the Shoreline area, Tom was an active volunteer in the community for over 50 years. He was a member, director and coach of both Univac and North King County Little League from 1971 through 1989. Tom went on to coach the freshman football team at Shorecrest High School. Tom was actively involved as a player, coach and sponsor of mens fastpitch softball starting in 1955, leading his teams to 4 national tournaments. He then moved on, spending 18 years coaching girls varsity fastpitch softball at Shorewood High School. Tom was recognized for his contributions to the community as the Cascade Softball Man of the Year, was inducted in the Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 2002, and was honored by the A.S.A. umpire's association with the creation of the Tom Rizzuto Annual Sportsmanship Award in 2012.
Tom and Barb were avid bowlers and were league members at Robinhood Lanes in Edmonds for 47 years. He was a steadfast fan of the Seahawks, holding season tickets since day one. Tom was 'old-school'. He was caring, kind and generous. He was a great source of inspiration and unconditional love for his family and friends. He held strong morals and values and always played by the rules. His choices led him to a successful and full life. Tom touched an uncountable number of lives as a coach, businessman, friend, and family man. His death is a loss to the Shoreline community and he will be tremendously missed.
Tom is preceded in death by his brothers, Mick and Jack, and his sister, Marlene. He is survived by Barb, his children, Jeff, Jena, Jerry, and Joe, and his 6 grandchildren. A Rosary service will begin at 11:30am followed by the Funeral Mass at noon on Tuesday, July 17th at St. John Vianney, 12600 84th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. Interment, Holyrood Cemetery. Reception to follow.
Remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle at www.providence.org\hospiceofseattle; or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at www.fhcrc.org.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Sign guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Rizzuto
MIke Adams
July 10, 2019
Tommy was a wonderful influence on all the girls, and they loved him dearly. He was a wonderful coach and an even better human being. I remember he and I went to a Mariner's game together back in the Kingdome. Always the coach, he knew the game so well, the strategies and nuances of baseball were not lost on Coach. He is missed to this day.
Kerry Gerhardt
February 12, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was an amazing man and I am honored to have known him. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the entire Rizzuto family. God Bless
August 10, 2012
My sister, Jeanine Gessner, and I want to honor Tommy by celebrating his life lessons so lovingly given to so many. A person of this caliber will be missed but not forgotten.
MIke Adams
July 27, 2012
To Tom's Family:
I had the pleasure of having my daughters Rochelle and Nicole (Rookie and Junior) be coached by Tom, the best coach ever I'm sure all agree. It was the most fun years I've had as a parent to count Tom as friend and mentor. He will be sorely missed. Diane and I wish the family peace and we share in grieving the loss of a wonderful man. Mike & Diane Adams, Shoreline
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Reschke
July 22, 2012
I had the privilege of knowing Tom through his son, Joe. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a great American whose life influenced many. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Barb and the entire family.
NKCLL 1986 ALL-STARS
Michael Meehan
July 21, 2012
Michael Meehan
July 21, 2012
Coach Rizzuto will be missed by all that had the honor and privilege to play for him, both Univac football and North King County Little League. "Thank you Mr. Rizzuto for being a part of our growing up." My heart and sympathy to his family.
Anne Keown
July 20, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Tom was a wonderful man.
Ashlee Gronnebek
July 20, 2012
Uncle Tom, who was Uncle Tom? he was a fun, loving, caring, happy, energetic, kind of uncle. Uncle Tom would always ask me if i wanted to watch a Seattle Mariners game with him and have Coke and Fritos and boy did i always want to. He was an amazing father,brother,uncle,grandpa,coach,son,cousin,etc. Tommy Rizzuto was the type of guy that wouldnt care if you spelt his name wrong in a paper kind of guy. When my uncle had time he would go out in the little coda sack and play catch with his grand kids, nieces, and nephews. Tommy M. Rizzuto put a smile on everyone's face, and im pretty sure hes putting one on gods face also. Love you Uncle Tom. Love Ashlee
Brent Nuckols
July 20, 2012
As a father now, I have a greater appreciation looking back at the men who gave their time to coach the teams I played on, and the ones who coach my kid's teams. Thank You, and to the famlies that share their dads.
Ron Gilmore
July 20, 2012
Words cannot express what Tom meant to so many. He was my coach, mentor, and was like a dad to me during my years of playing fastpitch for coach Tom.I am sure he is showing God how to throw a fastpitch at this moment. Sympathies to all the Rizzuttos from here to Spokane
Vicki Gorman
July 18, 2012
Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband with Shorewood for so many years. His love of coaching was so evident and he was instrumental in influencing a lot of athletes. Thank you Tom you were a man of character and a true TBIRD!
Gilbert Gardner
July 18, 2012
Thanks for all the memories,and your friendship. Fastpitch community will always be remembered for what you have done for it! I'll bet he's building a field on the other side. At least he's not in pain anymore!! My sympathies to the Rizzuto family.
Nathan Erfle
July 17, 2012
Thank you Tom. You'll always be my friend. We'll miss you at bowling every week. Love, Nathan
Mary Kay Johanson
July 17, 2012
Barb: I'm so sorry about Tom's passing. Whatever wisdom I've absorbed in my almost-8-year journey since Bob's passing, I would be happy to share with you. Contact me any time. Blessings.
Jo Anne Tripp
July 17, 2012
Dear Barbara and family.....So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I'll remember his great energy and love for the game! May he be at peace!
As ever,
Cameron & Michele Westlund
July 17, 2012
We will always remember Tom as a fun loving man who always had a smile on his face. Tom always had kind words to say about everyone. We didn't see Tom very often but when we did, it was like we had just seen him yesterday. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time, but hopefully the memories he leaves behind will help make his loss easier.
Jim & Jan Holland
July 17, 2012
Tommy was a good friend and and asset to fastpitch softball. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Our sympathies go out to all his family.
Jim Williamson
July 17, 2012
Thanks to Robin Rasmussen for posting the news of Tom's passing on Facebook. Such a loss, but maybe a relief from pain.I knew Tom from fastpitch softball along with sons Jeff and Jerry. Sometimes as we go thru life, we get to meet some very special people. Tom was one of those. Always with a pleasant smile, Tom was such a sportsmanlike competitor. We shared quite a few softball battles in Victoria, in Everett and together at the Nationals. My sympathy is extended to family. Just remember all the good times and I'm sure they were plentiful.
Mike Moran
July 16, 2012
I was lucky enough to know Tom for 30 years through the great game of softball as a player and as a coach from opposing sidelines. Tom taught me many lessons that he never knew he was teaching. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.
July 16, 2012
We will miss you, it was a pleasure knowing you
Rest in Peace my friend
Shawn Olesen
Jim and Mary Rohrback
July 16, 2012
Tom worked on two of our homes in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. He would chat cheerfully as he worked and we recognized him as a kind and loving man. His love of family and commitment to community was so evident. He was a great listener and would offer advice about raising children and keeping them active in sports. We are so sad to hear of his passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless and comfort you,
Jim and Mary Rohrback
Kent Myers
July 16, 2012
Truly, Coach was a man that impacted the lives of many young men in Shoreline. My brothers, Scott and Brent, and myself, were grateful to have played for Coach Rizzuto at Shoreline Univac. He was truly one of the great men to invest in the youth of Shoreline. He is honored and remembered by many, including the Myers family.
Dorothy Barnes (Starr)
July 16, 2012
I have known Tom & Barb since high school at North Central. Barb is one of my best friends, although we don't see much of each other anymore. We all had so much fun together in high school; Tom was such a great guy who always had a great smile and was a friend to everyone. Both Tom & Barb were in my first marriage ceremony.
My husband & I attended Tom & Barb's 50th wedding anniversary celebration and had fun remembering times together! We know Tom is in a better place now, free from human suffering. May our Lord Jesus comfort Barb and family .
Alan Crisp
July 16, 2012
I remember Tom as a good high school friend. We had many good times together. In fact Tom was my 'best man' at my marraige ceremony with Val...one of Barb's best friends in Spokane.
I've lost touch with them over the years after they left Spokane but my mind and my heart will never forget.
My best to Barb and the children.
Morrie Olsen
July 15, 2012
Having fun with Tom over the years on the softball field, he the coach and player and I as an Umpire was something I always enjoyed. Tom was always a gentelman and a great asset to the game of Fastpitch on and off the field. Tom will be missed by me, his family and many good and true friends. Tom is now at pease with no pain. May God bless his family!
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Tommy Rizzuto's name
Memorial Events
for Tommy Rizzuto
How to support Tommy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Tommy Rizzuto's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
