JOHN CHARLES RIZZO JR.

John Charles Rizzo, Jr. "JC," 54, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Sebastian, FL. He was born September 28, 1971, in Hollywood, FL to John & Judi Rizzo. John and Judi tried to have a child for months, finally God granted their wish with a precious gift from Our Lord God Almighty, a perfect red haired blue eyed angel, our Sunshine, from the moment Grandmother Ruby laid eyes on him, she lit up with love, Thank You Jesus, for blessing us, even though we didn't deserve it. JC loved the Lord. Though they are heartbroken, they take comfort in their faith and in knowing he is now in Heaven among the multitude of saints who have gone before him. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!! Amen.

JC is survived by his parents John (Nikki) Rizzo, Sr. and Judi (Ernesto) Saladino; his sisters Saundra (Timothy) Edgar and Kimberly (Jason) Lipton; his fiancé Christine "Chrissy" Mancuso and her children Robert and Savannah Collins; stepsisters Pamela (Joel) Paquet, Lisa (Keith) Ashline, Allison (Chris) Thomas, and stepbrother Jeremy (Lina) Alters.

He is also survived by his nephew Darrin Edgar; nieces Juliet Edgar, Sloane Lipton, Samantha Lipton, Jocelyn Salpeter, Cooper Salpeter, Cameron Alters; nephews Cori Van Pelt, Lucas Paquet, Jacob Paquet, Logan Alters, Dawson Alters, Axel Alters, and Trey Thomas; cousins John Money, Cody Money, and Austin Money.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Sal and Ruby Rizzo, Charles "Red" Money, and Betty Tyler, and by his Aunt Elizabeth Pauwels and Uncle Dennis "Butch" Money.

JC loved animals, especially dogs, and cared for many pets throughout his life, including dogs, cats, snakes, hermit crabs, a turtle named Touche, a frog, and even a sucker fish.

JC grew up in Hollywood and attended Hollywood Central Elementary, McNicol Middle, Olsen Middle & South Broward High School. As a child he played T-ball, baseball, and football at Rotary Park before developing a love for skateboarding and surfing. He also played the baritone in the school band and was a Boy Scout who enjoyed camping and Pinewood Derby races.

JC had a passion for motorcycles at an early age and competed at Sebring before later riding street bikes and dirt bikes for pleasure. His childhood was filled with swimming, roller skating, riding bikes, fishing off the dock at the Sunaqua Motel, playing pickup football games, and spending time with friends and family.

Throughout his life he worked in several roles, including valet services, running a car wash service, and working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where he was known for his compassion and care for others.

In adulthood he continued to enjoy surfing at Sebastian Inlet, practicing yoga and pilates, walking his dogs, and spending time with Chrissy. JC had a warm and vibrant spirit - he truly knew no strangers and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He loved art and painting, singing like no one was listening, listening to music (especially reggae and rock), reading the Bible, and living life fully every day.

In honor of JC's love for animals, donations may be made in his memory to Dogs and Cats Forever Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter at 4600 Selvitz Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, an organization that was near and dear to his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sebastian on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with a second gathering planned in the Hollywood area in June. Messages, prayers, and condolences may be shared through the Strunk Funeral Home website, where additional details will be posted.

The family appreciates the prayers, love, and support they have received during this difficult time.

John 5:24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

May he now find the peace and rest promised by our Lord.