Robert Paride Rizi Jr.

1951 - 2016

Rizi, Jr., Robert Paride
Oct. 20, 1951 - Jun. 13, 2016
Bob was born October 20, 1951, in Washington DC. He slipped away peacefully on June 13, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota.
He was the son of the late Robert P. and Frieda Skartvedt Rizi.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Sherry Stone Rizi; his two daughters Jennifer Rizi (Richard) Fontaine, and Katie Rizi (Bobby) Kimbrell; his two stepdaughters Jennifer (Joel) Baker and Trisha (Ali) Badibanga.
He is also survived by six grandchildren: Marissa, Olivia, Finnegan, Ollie, Zoey and Braden. Siblings Roger Rizi, Bill Rizi and Joan Rizi Mitchell.
Bob began his plumbing career as an apprentice at Leeland Plumbing and furthered his vocation at Aqua Services. During his time at Aqua he aided in the growth and expansion of the service department. With the support of his mentors, Bob was determined to establish his own business. In 1987, he created Bob Rizi Plumbing. It wasn't long before BRP was a well-known and respected business in the community. With his eyes set on retirement, Bob sold his business and had the privilege of returning to Aqua and was Vice President of the Remodel Division.
Through his passion for plumbing, Bob was instrumental in the success of the local plumbing apprenticeship program. He was also a board member of the CTC and the Gulf Coast Builder's Exchange. Bob was past president and board member of the Florida PHCC for many years and received the In Orbit Award for his outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry.
Bob was an avid supporter of the Sarasota community. He served on the board of the Suncoast Charities for Children and was chairman of the Grand Prix Golf Classic. In support of his daughters, he became very active in youth sports, sponsoring many teams and donating much of his time to organize and volunteer with sports programs, including Miss Sarasota Softball, Sun Devil football and the Riverview High cheerleaders.
It was through his participation with Sun Devils that Bob's love for BarBQue began. Bob's cooker was a centerpiece at events around the county and at Florida Gator tailgate parties.
Bob's first love was family and friends. Bob's passions were many including golf, boating and fishing, and tinkering in his wood shop designing family gifts. He enjoyed traveling around the United States, but especially loved the high country of North Carolina.
A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota, FL.
A Celebration of Life (Riz's Final Porker) will also be held on Friday, June 24 from 3 – 8 PM at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to: Tidewell Hospice - Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238 OR Suncoast Charities for Children, 7015 Professional Parkway East Sarasota, FL 34240.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.wiegandbrothers.com