ALFRED RIZZO Sr.

Einan's Funeral Home

Alfred Rizzo Sr., 81, of Richland, passed away at home on March 11, 2011; surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Dolores; seven sons and their wives - Michael (Robin), Gregory, Dominic (Lindy), Vincent (Barb), Alfred, Anthony (Mary), Phillip (Liane); 16 grandchildren and nine great-randchildren.

Alfred was born in May 1929; in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from The College of The City of New York with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later received a Master of Science and Engineering Degree from The Catholic University of America.

In 1952, he went to work as a Graduate Engineer at AllisChalmers; where he met Dolores Baumann. They were married in May of 1953; in Milwaukee, WI. He continued his career as a United States Naval Officer; where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. Upon departing the United States Navy, he continued to serve the US Government with the Department of Energy. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he relocated to Richland, WA in 1976 for the development and construction of the FFTF reactor. After 28 years of government service, Alfred retired in 1989. With that retirement, the Department of Energy's Richland office lost its Deputy Director - known affectionately at Hanford as the 'Godfather.'

During his retirement, Hanford's 'Godfather' turned his eye to a higher cause. Alfred was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church (Diocese of Yakima). He served God faithfully, contributing to many successful initiatives including, The Tri-Cities Food Bank, Tri-Cities Prep, Benton County Prison Ministry, Volunteers In Police Service, and The Knights of Columbus.

In his service for the Knights of Columbus, which began November 30th, 1958, Deacon Al was a believer in the holiness of every person. He was a strong advocate for holding retreats for the Knights and their families to strengthen family bonds. He was a Faithful Navigator for assembly 1174 in Richland and is a former Master Knight of the Fourth Degree for the Eastern section of the state of WA.

A rosary service and viewing will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, on Sunday, March 20, at 8 p.m. Christ the King will host a full mass the following day (March 21) at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Einan's Funeral Home. A reception will follow the graveside service at The Richland Knights of Columbus Hall. You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com.

Donations can be made to TriCities Prep and Tri-Cities area Food Banks.