Maurice Michael Rizzo, Sr.

Maurice Michael Rizzo, 86, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 3, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William and Isabel Rizzo, Maurice grew up in the tight-knit community of Sharpsburg, PA. As a young man, he was a talented football player, earning the title of Mr. Football and playing as an all-district offensive lineman at Sharpsburg High School. He also enjoyed playing the drums. While at a dance after high school, Maurice met the love of his life, Margaret Capozolli. They were married in Pittsburgh on March 5, 1959. Shortly after, Maurice attended The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, which launched his lifelong career as a respected and award-winning hairdresser. He later became the owner and operator of The Nichols Hills Coiffures. Maurice was a man of many talents and passions. A true "jack of all trades," he poured his heart into everything he did. He was an avid sailor, winning several trophies, and a skillful horse rancher and biker. He loved working with his hands, tackling home improvement projects, and was a master gardener whose work received published recognition. The Rizzo home on Guilford was known for decades for its beautiful, flourishing landscaping. Maurice was also a gifted jeweler, and family members knew they could count on him to fix a watch or necklace and return it with a little something extra. In his free time, Maurice enjoyed cooking large family meals, collecting a wide array of art, and watching boxing, tennis, and his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maurice had a lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith. He instilled this faith and wisdom in his family, providing all of his children and grandchildren with access to Catholic schooling. His daily practice of praying the Rosary and years of journaling were a humbling reminder of his constant spiritual growth. He was also a dedicated member of Christ the King Church, where he participated in the Little Rock Catholic Bible Study and volunteered as a van driver and Eucharistic minister for many years. Maurice is preceded in death by his wife Margaret; his daughter Nancy; his parents, William and Isabel; and his brother Bill. He is survived by his sister, Annie Cubbage of Shaler, Pennsylvania, his children, Billie Jo Tate, Rhoda Self and her husband Louis, and Maurice Rizzo Jr. and his girlfriend Ela. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Maurice Rizzo III, Tommy Field, Sarah Rizzo Mann, Maggie Crook and husband Jeremy, Courtney Helps and husband Justin, Delanie Nelms and husband Cole, and Maci Rodgers and husband Waylon—and seven great-grandchildren: William, Hadley, Samson, Madeline, Harley, Bella, Colter, and Casen.

The family would like to thank Providence Health Care and Hospice, especially Kasi, Candance, and Meleice, for their compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills. A reception will follow in the church atrium.