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Susie Rizzonelli Obituary
June 8, 1935 - January 19, 2023
Atwater, California - SUSIE T. RIZZONELLI
June 8, 1935 - January 19, 2023
ATWATER - Susie T. Rizzonelli died Thursday, January 19, 2023 at age 87. Born June 8, 1935 in St. Helena, Montana, Susie grew up in Toppenish, Washington. As a young woman, Susie moved to Fresno, California and eventually settled in Merced, California, where she met and married Gino Rizzonelli.
Susie spent many years working for Merced City School District as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. Most people, however, knew and loved Susie from the family restaurant, Rizzonelli's in Atwater, where she was well known for sitting down at the table with the customers to chat and take their orders. By doing this, Susie soon became "Mom" and "Grandma" to many who walked through the doors of the family restaurant. Susie had an excellent memory for people's favorite menu items and had a knack for knowing when people needed a glass of wine at the end of a long day.
Throughout her adult life in Merced, Susie was deeply involved in many service projects. Susie organized many Red Ribbon Week activities for Merced City School District and Sober Grad activities for Merced High School. Susie also helped to organize and participated in many fundraisers ranging from fireworks booths to the Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society.
During her time at the family restaurant, Rizzonelli's, Susie was a key organizer in the Kops and Fire for Kids Toy Drive and Parade, as well as the 911 Remembrance activities at Atwater City Hall.
Susie is survived by her son Gino Rizzonelli (wife Christina, grandchildren Garrett, Nicholas and Sophia Rizzonelli, Nicholas Vause, Hailee Vause, great-granddaughter Kelsey), daughter Lori Rizzonelli (wife Cindy Heaton), sister Lola and brother Frank, sister-in-law Stella Testa and many nieces and nephews. Susie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Gino Rizzonelli.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Wilson's Family Funeral Chapel. A private burial service will take place the following day at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella where she will be laid to rest with her husband Gino.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charitable organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susie Rizzonelli
Amy
July 7, 2023
I am So Sorry Loss ... I grew up around the corner on Vickie Court and Everytime I would be selling something, I could Always Count on Mrs. Rizzonelli to Buy or Just Donate alittle something.... She Will Be Missed Very Much.
Amy Ruiz
and Family
Kara Middlebrooks
June 20, 2023
I got to know Susie when we worked together at Tenaya School. She was friendly, bright, energetic, and a pleasure to work with. Sincere condolences to her family.
Peggy Hooker
March 5, 2023
Hi Lori, I don´t know if you remember me, I have really long hair & I´m short. I want to give my Sincere Condolences to you & Cindy Your Mom was such a Sweet Lady & so Friendly that she felt like a Mom to me Sending Love & Comfort to you & your Family
Peggy Hooker
Livingston, Tennessee
Peggy Hooker
March 4, 2023
So many memories of Susie, she was such a Sweet Lady. I went there for years & they had the Best Sandwiches in town, I would go at least once a week. She will be Dearly Missed by all that new her. My Sincere Condolences to the Family
Kathie Johnson
February 23, 2023
She was always so friendly and sweet when we would eat at their restaurant. We still miss her and their excellent food. Some of the better Italian food in Merced County.
Georgette Moreno
January 31, 2023
Lori and Gino I send my Sincerest Condolences to you and your Family. May God Bless you all.
Judy Ramp
January 31, 2023
I have such fond memories of times with Susie and Gino. They had a good life, well spent.
Bev Baker
January 30, 2023
Many, many fond memories of Suzie, as well as of Gino. My husband & I loved coming in to the restaurant for a nice dinner and to visit. Suzie always made us feel so welcome and always had a project, in which she encouraged us to participate. (and we could not turn her down) May the memories provide loving comfort to Suzie's family! She was a very special person.
Cathy Blankenship. Fayetteville, Ga.
January 30, 2023
To the family of Susie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many memories of your parents and their community involvement. My late husband, Gene, and friends Pat and Walt Dancey loved to dine at the restaurant frequently. Cathy Blankenship, Fayetteville, Ga.
George & Tamara Bertaina
January 28, 2023
Tamara and I are so very sorry for your loss ..., Mrs Rizzonelli was a wonderful lady ... May Susie Forever Rest In Eternal Peace ...
The Staff of Wilson Family Chapel
January 28, 2023
The Staff and Wilson Family Chapel wishes to extend their sympathy and their assistance for this time of need.
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