David J. Rizzo

RIZZO, David J., DMD David J. Rizzo, DMD, 52, of Avon, beloved husband for 27 years to Debra "Debbie" (Sands) Rizzo, died Easter Sunday (April 12, 2009) at his home surrounded by his family. He was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Laura of New York City, NY and Jill of Avon; son of Eleanor (Righetto) Rizzo of Wethersfield and formerly of Newington and the late Julius H. Rizzo. He also leaves his brother, Raymond Dougherty and his wife Phyllis of Dighton, MA; a sister, Carol Walsh and her husband Stephen of Wethersfield; sister-in-law, Helene Sands Proulx and her husband Earl; and nephews and nieces, Jonathan Dougherty and his wife Ellen, Elizabeth Götzsche Dougherty and her husband Michael and their son Alexander, and Matthew and Brian Walsh. Dave was raised in Newington where he earned his Eagle Scout at age 13. He then resided in Avon for the past 23 years. He graduated with honors from Tufts University in 1978, the UCONN School of Dental Medicine in 1982, and practiced dentistry in Farmington for 26 years. He was honored by his peers as one of Connecticut's Top Dentists and by his patients earning the nickname "feather fingers". Dave's real gift and passion was always music. He wrote a musical, Colorbound (www.colorbound themusical.com) and shared his musical gifts with the choir at the West Avon Congregational Church, played saxophone, and sang with the Leo Liddle Big Band. Dave faced a series of medical challenges throughout his life. He had his first kidney transplant in 1980 during dental school, his second transplant in 2002, and was then diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in September of 2008. Dave never complained and he faced each challenge with optimism, dignity, grace, and humor. He was intelligent, empathetic, kind, generous, funny, resourceful, devoted, creative, brave, and musically gifted. People who have heard him sing have described his voice as the most powerful spiritual experience they ever had. It has been said that he does not sing a song; he lives it. Dave's most profound gift was his ability to see others with "adoring eyes". He saw the good in everyone and he made sure he told you, showed you, and you felt it. His family wishes to thank especially Dr. John D'Avella for decades of extraordinary care and to Kristen Noone who extended our lives as a Good Samaritan donor and became a "sister". To "Our Team", your love, support, compassion, and help have sustained us through so much. You have enriched our lives. We thank you for the laughter, even in the moments it was so painful. We are blessed to have you as friends. All are invited to a Celebration of Dave's Life on Thursday, April 16, 11 a.m. at West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon. The Rev. Dr. Brian Hardee, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. His family will receive friends Wednesday, April 15, 5-8 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either West Avon Congregational Church Music Program, 280 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001; The American Cancer Society, PO Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004, or the National Kidney Foundation, 2139 Silas Deane Hwy., Suite 208, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For online condolences, please visit www. carmonfuneralhome.com.