Steven Rizzo

Steven D. Rizzo, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.
Steven was born in New York City on April 16, 1948, to Joseph and Bonnie Jean Rizzo. He graduated from Clark County High School in Berryville, Virginia, and earned bachelor's degrees from Virginia Tech and Southern Illinois University as well as master's degrees from Gonzaga University and Webster University. In 1978, Steven met his future wife, Suzi, on a blind date while stationed in Spokane, Washington, and the pair married in 1980.
Steven joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served in the Vietnam War. His military career spanned a total of 28 years over two periods of active duty. After retiring in 1993 and returning to active duty service in 2001, he retired for the second time in 2006 with the rank of Lt. Colonel at Randolph Air Force Base. His many decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two devices, Air Medal with three devices, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal with three devices, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device. Steven served as the commander of the ROTC Detachment at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, for five years, and he spent nearly two decades in civilian service with FlightSafety International. Instructing and developing the next generation of Air Force service members was a major focus of his career, and he touched the lives of many cadets and trainees.
Steven pursued many interests in his personal life, such as hunting and fishing, skeet shooting, knife-making, and restoring and driving his Austin Healy. He was a deeply spiritual person and spent countless hours investigating alternative healing modalities and helping people find peace in their lives. He was a devoted father and husband, a good friend and neighbor, and a kind co-worker and manager. He was the best person to know if you needed to borrow a tool or wanted to identify a bird or a fish. He was the best company, whether in a duck blind or on a European cruise, and was always willing to share a game, a movie, a puzzle, or a plate of oysters. He spoiled his dogs as much as he did his daughters.
Steven is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Suzi Rizzo; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberley Rizzo (Michael Greening) and Jennifer Rizzo (Kevin Hayden); grandchildren Sullivan and Elizabeth Hayden; brothers Michael Rizzo and Brian Rizzo; and a host of beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. He will be very much missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Steven at Vistoso Funeral Home, 2285 E Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, Oro Valley, Arizona, 85755, at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. Donations in honor of Steven can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Lt--Col--Steven-D--Rizzo-Memorial-Page-.