George Norman Rizk

WATERBURY - George Norman Rizk, 75, was called home to God on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the dearly loved husband of Rosemarie L. (Francis) Rizk, and son of the late Adele and Naim Rizk of Waterbury. He and his family were part of the burgeoning Lebanese community in the Brass City, and, as a young man, he was integral to the American culture for numerous cousins and those immigrating to the city at the time.

Mr. Rizk was born in Waterbury on Aug. 26, 1933, and graduated from Webster Grammar School and Crosby High School. He attended Providence College in Rhode Island, and graduated from the UConn School of Pharmacy. He owned and operated George's Pharmacy in Cheshire for 44 years, where he treated his customers with such special care that they frequently were considered as members of the family. He was later employed as a pharmacist at Hancock's Pharmacy in Meriden. George served as a Sergeant in the National Guard, having also been appointed as a Colonel's Aide. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree; co-director of the Danny Thomas St. Jude Children's Hospital's New England Chapter Fundraising Division, and a member of the Forever Young Club at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, of which he was a communicant. Dedicated to the democratic process, George grew up volunteering with his family in various local and state arenas – spending his time working for whomever he believed to be the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball enthusiast, George loved to discuss all sports and watch games with his family and friends. After high school, he was scouted by the Chicago Cubs as a third baseman.

George will be remembered for his laughter; he specialized in having a joke on hand for every occasion. A gifted storyteller, and modest in his achievements, George had the ability to command an audience easily. A "charmer" in the best sense of the word, he was often the "go to" person who knew how to help people whenever they needed it. He adored spending time with his granddaughter and grandson, and was a loyal son; brother; husband; father; "Poppy" to his grandchildren; uncle; godfather, and cousin.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, George is survived by his daughter, Bernice Jude Rizk and her husband, Fouad Rizk of Naugatuck; his grandchildren, Sarah Ann Rizk and Jason Fouad Rizk of Naugatuck; sister, Matilda Rizk Mubarek of Winsted; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Calling hours will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more info and online condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.