Albert Rizzo

It has been two years since you left us. Our hearts were broken, and we were left with a gaping hole that can never be filled. You are so many things to so many people. Loving, caring & compassionate son, Father, sibling, cousin, Uncle, friend, & mentor. You were larger than life and lived life to its fullest. You taught us so many things. You had a work ethic like no other, giving your heart & soul to your business which you owned & operated for over 60 years, retiring at the ripe old age of 80!! Your business was your second love, but your first true love was always your family. You lived to entertain. Family & friends were always welcome at your home. We grew up having a home cooked meal by you every Sunday, & everyone & anyone were always welcome. You loved nothing more than hosting holidays, with Christmas being your favorite. Taking over where your Mother Jennie left off, you worked tirelessly to cook the Christmas Eve feast of seven fish, starting weeks before the holiday. Again, opening your home to all, family, friends, & those who didn't have a place to go. It was loud, sometimes chaotic, but it was also endearing & wonderful while you made sure that every guest received a gift. You handed out all of the gifts & each person/child was asked "Do you believe in Santa Clause?". The answer had to be I do, I do, I do", or you wouldn't receive your gift. There was always lots of laughter & smiles, giving us all memories that we will never forget. You also loved to travel, having visited such once in a lifetime destinations as Africa, Egypt, Italy, Australia & New Zealand to name a few. At the age of 80 you decided you wanted to drive cross country to California by yourself. We were all petrified, but you loved to drive & it wound up being one of the best trips you had ever taken. One of the biggest & most important loves of your life in addition to your children, were your grandchildren. You never missed any milestones such as birthdays or graduations & would do your best to also attend soccer games, dance recitals & horse shows. Some people who didn't know you had preconceived notions about you, but not knowing you was their loss because your bark was always worse than your bite & you were the most big hearted & generous person and to know you was to love you. We could probably go on & on about your many accomplishments in your life, the books you wrote, the classes you taught, the associations you belonged to, the employees you oversaw, the friendships you made & the lives you changed. We know this has been stated many times before, but the line from one of your favorite singers that fits you to a tee is "I did it my way", by Frank Sinatra & Dad you truly did. With all of our eternal love, your Children & Grandchildren.