David Rizzo
June 4, 1957 - September 3, 2021
Wilmington, North Carolina - On September 3, 2021, David Paul Rizzo, age 64 passed away peacefully at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by his family after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Dave was born on June 4, 1957, in Danville, Virginia to Paul and Sidna Rizzo. He grew up in Armonk, New York and attended Byram Hills High School, where he was a leader on both the basketball and golf teams. After graduation, he went on to the College of William and Mary and was an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He received his Bachelor of the Arts degree in Economics.
After graduation, Dave went to work for IBM, where he started as an Account Marketing Representative and rose through the ranks to serve as a Regional Marketing Program Administrator. In 1986, Dave moved to IBM's Charlotte office, where he was eventually promoted to Trading Area General Manager.
In 1992 his entrepreneurial drive led him to launch his own company, Osprey Systems, and then in 2002, he made the decision to sell it. He went on to head MCNC until he founded what his family considers to be his legacy, NCIDEA, a non-profit organization whose mission was focused on the economic development of the state. Dave was an active member of North Carolina's technology community and held numerous leadership positions within civic and professional associations. He was a board member for the Council of Entrepreneurial Development, The Kenan Institute Center for Entrepreneurships, the Governor's Board of Science and Technology and many others. Dave leaves behind a legacy as an entrepreneur, technology leader, venture capitalist, and economic developer.
Dave was an avid traveler. He enjoyed golfing, watching football and basketball games, and the Big Bang Theory. But Dave was happiest at home or on his boats with his wife, his son Matthew, their two dogs Doc and Piper, and cat Moosh.
Dave was predeceased by his father Paul (2017) mother Sidna (2012) and his beloved Lab Brandy. He is survived by his wife Robin, his three sons Paul, Sam, and Matthew, his two sisters Beverley Cook (Mark) and Ann Bingham, as well as a niece, several nephews, and extended family.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to NC IDEA "In Memory of David Rizzo" and mailed to 320 Blackwell Street, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27701.
Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Rizzo

24 Entries

Robin

February 20, 2025

Missing you terribly Dear.

Robin Webb

November 6, 2024

Dear..missing you beyond words ❤

Robin Webb

March 17, 2024

Missing you Dear. ❤

Robin Webb

September 1, 2023

Coming up on two years Dear and it feels like you were just here yesterday but also like a lifetime since I spoke to you. The tears of sorrow flow without provocation. You are forever in my heart.

Robin

May 31, 2023

Missing you Dear.

Robin Webb

July 31, 2022

Dear, not a minute goes by that you’re not in my thoughts. I pray you’re happy and healthy and watching over us. ❤❤

Robin Webb

July 2, 2022

You´re always in my heart and on my mind

May 18, 2022

I miss you Dear. ❤

robin webb

March 7, 2022

I'm missing you with all my heart Dear.

Ed Wadsworth

September 14, 2021

Family and friends,

I am saddened to hear of David´s passing. I have many fond memories of golf outings and trips, attending Lax games together,etc.

Love and peace
Ed Wadsworth

Ron Edwards

September 13, 2021

Our CPA firm served Osprey Systems during the 1900s and I always enjoyed my dealings with Dave. He was smart, personable and passionate - all-round good guy. Rest in peace, Dave. My warmed condolences to Dave's family.

Ron Edwards, Charlotte

Donald Rizzo

September 13, 2021

David's uncle here...unfortunately for me, David and I were always 500 or so miles apart. On those rare occasions when we got together David was unfailingly kind, thoughtful and welcoming. We did get to spend some time together over dinner and drinks whenever either of us was in the other's territory.
Many years ago, when David was a toddler, I remember playing with him in the yard. A bug happened by and I stomped it. David looked at me incredulously, his little eyes tearing up a bit. "Why did you do that?" he asked. "I don't know," I responded sheepishly. I was embarrassed. I learned a little lesson in humility and sensitivity from a five-year-old with the heart of an old soul. Never forgot that incident--it was so symbolic of who David was.

Rita Burdell

September 12, 2021

Dave will always be remembered by his IBM colleagues as a strong leader & wonderful mentor. We were all "family" in the IBM Charlotte Branch Office working hard but having much fun, too. As you share the stories and the memories of how Dave lived his life, may you find comfort. Know our deep sympathy for you and all your family.

Rita & Buddy Burdell

Jo Ann and Joddy Peer

September 11, 2021

I worked for Dave Rizzo at IBM in Charlotte for several years when he was a Branch Manager and a Trading Area Manager. In my many years with IBM at various locations across the country, he was by far one of the best Managers I ever had. He had great leadership skills and was very kind. I and my husband Joddy and our children spent wonderful times at Sea Island with him and his family and later he did a great deal to help our daughters Hadley and Jordan through their Chapel Hill days. Our entire family will be forever indebted to him for his help and assistance. Our sincere thoughts go out to his children Paul and Sam whom we got to know when they were young.

Marilynn Lester

September 10, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Then my mind was flooded with thoughts of his kindness, quiet sense of humor and leadership. He was very encouraging and was a great mentor, especially to the team of he new Managers in the Charlotte branch office.
My prayers are with your family.

JoAnn D'Alessandro Calhoun

September 9, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Dave´s passing today. I worked for Dave when he was the IBM branch manager here in Charlotte. He was encouraging and gave me many opportunities to grow in my career. I remember him fondly. My thoughts are with you all during this time.

Lawson Rankin

September 9, 2021

My heart-felt condolences to your family. I knew Dave through seven years serving on his board at NC IDEA. His passion for helping entrepreneurs become successful was the driving force that resulted in many successful companies. My last conversation with him was about three years ago when both of us thought we'd beaten our cancers. I am very saddened to hear he's no longer with us.

Chris Schatz

September 9, 2021

Condolences to the family. Dave was a great mentor to me back when I first came to IBM. His vision was clear. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but his legacy will shine clear.

Paul Clements

September 8, 2021

Sincere condolences from myself and Dave’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers at William and Mary. Since hearing of his passing, We have shared many stories and thoughts about Dave and best wishes for his family. His gregarious nature and thoughtfulness made us all proud to call him brother.

Reaves Fox

September 8, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

John Venzon

September 7, 2021

So sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a good man, friend and leader while we were at IBM. I enjoyed many rounds of golf with him and he had a great sense of humor. Through the years, he was always helpful and engaging when we talk. My condolences to his family.

Judy Simons

September 7, 2021

Dear Robin and family,

So very sorry for your loss. Dave was always so friendly and kind. I’m very sad but now I know he’s at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Greg Rekuc

September 7, 2021

I have fond recollections of many driveway basketball games played with David as a kid growing up on Maple Way in Armonk. It was great to read about his accomplishments and contributions. I regret we never reconnected despite the fact we both lived much of our adult lives in NC. So sorry for your loss of this young man.

Branden Summers

September 7, 2021

As someone who was only in his life for a year I recognized the love this man brought to his family and everyone around him. He is, was and will continue be a light for others. Thank you for trusting me to be apart of your family’s life here in Wilmington. Though our time as friends was brief your impact will last a lifetime. Thank you Dave for the belief in my businesses and for the unwavering kindness I was met with each time I entered your home. I promise I’ll take good care of the plants! I’ll always bring sneaky snacks for the pups too! Oh and I’ll keep Robins hair in pristine condition! We know you’d want that! Rest peacefully friend. And once again I thank you.

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