Joseph Rizzo

Joseph Rizzo
February 4, 1948 - December 13, 2024
Joe Rizzo, 76, Brick, NJ, passed away on December 13, 2024, after a sudden medical event on December 8.
For 25 years Joe was a devoted partner to, and the biggest fan of, JoAnne Mastropasqua. He effortlessly fell into the role of a parent to Zachary and Logan Jones. He loved and helped care for his mother-in-law, Elaine Mastropasqua. He also leaves behind Zach's wife Ela and Logan's partner Alex. He loved being a part of the Mastropasqua/LaMastra family and always looked forward to the annual family picnic.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Teeny and Weeny, Tina (Concetta) and Michael Rizzo.
He is survived by Rizzo, Dambro and Palmieri cousins.
Joe had many great stories to share of his days as a "boy growing up in Brooklyn." He moved to "the country," Howell, NJ, in the winter of 1961. There, this city boy had a brief stint in the Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Howell High School in the first graduating class.
A lifelong commitment to fitness found him running the boards in Spring Lake, playing tennis with his cronies in Ocean County Park and riding the roads of Ocean and Monmouth counties on his road bike. An avid freshwater fisherman, he decided to try his hand at fly fishing and fully immersed himself in learning all about its intricacies. He crappie-busted in Lake Irisado (Lake Riviera), Assunpink and the Manasquan Reservoir to name a few of his haunts.
"Killer Joe" was a huge jazz fan and regular at Richard's Lounge in Lakewood in the day, His love of music was an integral part of his personality. He was always singing and had an ear for mimicry and impersonation. He loved classic movies and was always weaving lines from his favorites into everyday conversations.
Joe was a natural in the kitchen, drawing from his proud Sicilian heritage. He made countless breakfasts, lunches and dinners over the years and perked a great pot of coffee. He ran an impeccable household and kept the grounds in perfect order, most especially the garden hose.
His career path took him from house framer to hairdresser, a perfect career for someone who had the gift of gab. Joe was a great conversationalist and could speak on many subjects including politics, history, sports and cars. His last job was that of making JoAnne's life easier in any way he could. He was exceedingly successful in that endeavor.
Friends and family are invited to eat, laugh and have a toast to honor our dear Joe in a celebration of his life. The memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 16 at the Mantoloking Road Playhouse, 266 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ. We will begin at 1:00 p.m. All are invited to share a favorite memory, anecdote or story at 2:00 p.m. If you have stage fright and are uncomfortable sharing, there will be a spot to place your written thoughts for his family to cherish. Memorial donations in Joe's name can be made to BCCT's capital campaign at https://bcct.booktix.com/ or the Alston-Brighton Food Pantry at http://abfoodpantry.com/donate/
Arrangements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.