Giuseppe Rizza

GIUSEPPE RIZZA, 73 of Romeo, Michigan, passed away on February 18, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Mary Anne. Loving father of Michael (Hong-An) Rizza & Alexandra (Alec) Griego. Giuseppe was the proud grandfather of Katherine & Maria. Dearest brother of Rosaria (Sergio) Iacobacci. Dear brother-in-law of Michael Rossi, John Rossi, Tony (Olimpia) Rossi, and Roseann (Tom) Morgan. Giuseppe was also blessed with 14 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and was Godfather to 9.
Giuseppe "Joe" Rizza was born in the village of Sant'Angelo in Theodice, in the municipality of Cassino, Italy on December 4, 1951, to Emma and Antonio Rizza. He immigrated to America with his family when he was six years old and spent his childhood on the east side of Detroit.
He graduated from Osborn High School in 1971, attended a year of classes at University of Massachusetts, Boston, and later graduated from Wayne State University in 1976 majoring in Philosophy. Giuseppe also graduated from the Executive Leadership Institute of Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy and served as a lecturer for Wayne State University's College of Lifelong Learning and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Detroit.
On October 13, 1979, Joe was married to the love of his life, Mary Anne. Together they raised two wonderful children Michael and Alexandra. Joe loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He especially loved to read to his children and grandchildren, as reading and music were his greatest passions.
Joe played the violin, marimba and the drums, and performed as the drummer in a band for many years from junior high school until he was married.
Joe had 40 years of fundraising experience, including 23 years as a Chief Development Officer for industry leading healthcare, education, and human service organizations. Joe was President of the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 2011 to 2019 and served as part of the senior leadership of Presbyterian Healthcare Services. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Campaigns at Beaumont Healthcare Foundation, Royal Oak, Michigan; Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Walsh College, Troy, Michigan; Director of Development for Judson Center, Royal Oak, Michigan; and Director of Annual Giving for University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan.
After formally retiring from Presbyterian Healthcare Joe served as Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Health Medical Center, and Interim Vice President at the University Advancement and External Relations Department for Kettering University.
Joe was a previous president and director of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, (AFP) Greater Detroit Chapter, and was a member of committees and task forces for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International. Joe also is a published author in the field of fundraising, having been published in AFP's magazine, Advancing Philanthropy. He was equally active with AFP's New Mexico branch, serving on the Board, volunteering as a formal mentor to junior fundraisers, and presenting at AFP programs. He is a recipient of the AFP's New Mexico Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.
Visitation Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4-9pm, Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1-9pm with 7:00pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54480 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Saturday, March 1, 2025 Instate 9:30am at St. Clement of Rome Church 343 S Main St, Romeo, MI 48065 (S. of 32 Mile Rd.) until time of Mass at 10:00am. Donations are welcome to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society & the Judson Center Royal Oak. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.