Victor A. Rizzolo

1923 - 2017

Victor A. (Vic) Rizzolo

AGE: 93 • Bridgewater

93, died November 11, 2017.

Vic was born and raised in Newark and Belleville, NJ. Later, he lived in Kearny, Hillsborough, Bridgewater and Manville, then with his son, Stan, when his general health declined in 2012-2013. He enjoyed his last three years in the Community Living Center of the VA, Lyons in Basking Ridge, where he was their favorite patient. Fittingly, he passed away on Veteran's Day.

Vic graduated from Barringer High School in Newark, NJ in 1941. He served in the Army during World War II, with the 103rd Infantry division, 2nd Battalion 410th Regiment, Company F. He was seriously wounded in action in 1944 in Alsace-Lorraine, France and was awarded the Bronze Star and Military Order of the Purple Heart Medal. He had a permanently shortened and straight left leg, with a wound that never healed.

Vic graduated from Rutgers University Law School in 1950, then began his legal career as a partner with his father, Frank Rizzolo, in Newark. In 1958, he served as an assistant Prosecutor of Hudson County and Deputy Attorney General of NJ. Vic was the Municipal Court Judge for Hillsborough, Millstone, Bridgewater and Raritan from 1961 thru 1966. In 1962, Victor formed a partnership with Stephen Champi. He later became a Superior Court Judge and Acting Assignment Judge in Somerset County from 1966-1971. He then was a founding partner in the law firm Ozzard, Rizzolo, Klein, Mauro & Savo. He was a NJAssemblyman in Trenton from 1973 to 1976. In 2003, Vicpartnered with Stan at Rizzolo & Rizzolo in Somerville until 2008, when he retired.

Vic was a member of the Mason Solomon Lodge, Italian American Club in Hunterdon County, Purple Heart Association, and the Exchange Club. He was a former member of Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater. In his spare time, Vic enjoyed reading, traveling,golfing, dining, and above all, socializing. Victor was a friend and mentor to many. His easy-going manner, genuine care, intelligence, smile and charm endeared him to all with whom he was in contact, including clients and adversaries. Many folks considered him a second father or brother, and swore that Vic made a huge difference in their lives. He was a prominent member of the PeopleCare charity, and the driving force behind its popular and successful fundraiser, "A Taste of Somerset." He gave of himself freely and cheerfully, and was in return loved by all. He was a true people person.

Vic is predeceased by his parents, Frank A. Rizzolo and Elvira (Napoliello) Rizzolo, his sister, Marie Derrico, and, most sadly, his son, David G. Rizzolo (1978).

Surviving are his other sons, Stanley F. and Dr. Steven J. Rizzolo, his daughter, Vicky A. Rizzolo, Esq., seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, his niece, Eva Derrico Campagnoli, his former wife and mother of his children, Mary Rizzolo (with whom he remained close) and his companion, Antoinette Banaskiewicz.

A private service was followed by cremation, arranged by Bruce C. VanArsdale Funeral Home, Somerville. A ceremony in Celebration of Vic's Life will be announced in June 2018. These were Vic's wishes - a joyful gathering to celebrate a life well lived and loved.

To send condolences to the family, visitwww.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post 2290, 600 Washington Avenue, Manville, NJ 08835, or to the Adult Day Center of Somerset County, Inc., 872 E. Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.