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Henry Rizziere Obituary
Henry S. "Sam" Rizziere, 75, died October 19, 2009, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
He was born October 20, 1933, in Rutland, son of Pietro and Maria (Romano) Rizziere.
Sam was a 1951 graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy and a 1955 graduate of St. Michael's College.
He was a U.S. Army, Korean War veteran.
Sam was a devoted husband, father and educator. Fondly known as "Mr. Rizz," he served the MSJ community for 38 years as teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal. Upon retiring in 1999, he continued to support MSJ through his weekly calling of bingo "Sam's Special," working at the concession stand at St. Peter's Field and frying sausage and peppers at the MSJ fair booth.
He was a member of St. Peter's Church, Rutland American Legion Post 31, Rutland Moose Lodge and the MSJ Athletic Association.
Sam is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Woods) Rizziere of Rutland; three daughters, Laura Medlin and her husband Greg, Karen Chadwick and Khristina Childs and her husband Darren, all of Rutland; and one son, Peter Rizziere of Tennessee. He was the proud "Papa" of his six grandchildren, Lucas, Alexandra, Jonathan, Dominik, Gabrielle and Jillian.
He is also survived by five sisters, Josephine Listorti and Mary Margo, both of Massachusetts, Laura Gilligan and Virginia Bellomo, both of Rutland, and Joann D'Orazio of Florida.
He was predeceased by a brother, Paul Rizziere, and a sister, Carmella Conrad.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Clifford Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Joseph Academy, Convent Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701; or Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, PO Box 787, Rutland, VT 05702.
View the guest book at www.rutlandherald.com/ obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Rizziere
CAROLE MINARD
October 31, 2009
HI BARB, JUST ME AGAIN, JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I AM THINKING OF YOU, DARN, AREN'T WE TOO YOUNG FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.
I WASN'T AROUND WHEN YOU FELL IN LOVE,
BUT I CAN EMAGINE HE WAS A TERRIFIC GUY. KNOW HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
NO WORDS OF COMFORT CAN TAKE YOUR PAIN AWAY, JUST BE ASSURRED, THAT TIME WILL
EASE THE PAIN, AND ALL THE FOND MEMERIES WILL BE TREASURED.
LOVE YOU BARB, CAROLE (MINARD)
SHACKLEFORD, I'LL BE CALLING ONE DAY, IF I CAN GET YOUR TELLY PHONE.
WE HAVE A REUNION COMING UP, I WNT TO THE LAST ONE, SO GREAT, WOULD BE SO NICE TO SEE ALL OUR CLASSMATES, WE ARE THE OLDIES BUT GOODIES. GOD BLESS YOU
CAROLE
Martha Cameron Cobb
October 31, 2009
Barbara and Family. Please accept my condolences on your loss of Sam. I remember Sam well when you (Barbara) started dating. A romance made in heaven. May your friends and family help you through this very sad time.
October 30, 2009
Barb, Laura, Karen, Khrissy, and Peter,
Sam was a great man and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during your time of loss.
Bonnie Paolucci White, Lori Paolucci Barrett, Karen Pariseau
October 30, 2009
Karen and Family:
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. My you find comfort with your memories.
James Canary, Margie Canary, Jamie and Paul Burns
October 29, 2009
So sorry for your loss.
We were really surprised
You have our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ed & Elaine Garrow
Ann Flood Pearson
October 26, 2009
Barb and family, Oh Mr. Rizziere! What fond memories from Pittsford High School then later at Caggige's Market. What a nice man! Will be missed every day.
Maureen Trudeau
October 26, 2009
Dear Barb, Laura, Khris, Karen and Peter;
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I miss being there to give you all hugs and let you know how sorry I am for your loss.
What a truly remarkable man. Every time I met him, I always felt priveleged to be in his company.
May the blessing of his life, give you comfort at this difficult time.
With love and care,
October 26, 2009
Mr. Rizziere was a great friend and teacher to all of us at MSJ. Even more so because he was from our neighborhood. He was a good man, and will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.
Terri Canty Clyne Class of 76'
Cheshire, Ct.
Jim Carvey
October 26, 2009
Hi Barb: Simone and I were deeply saddened to hear of Sammy's passing. Marcia called us to let us know. Your family will be in our prayers.
Simone & Jim Carvey
Donna Bizon
October 26, 2009
To the Rizziere family. My condolences to you.
Vince Allo
October 26, 2009
To the entire Rizziere family,
My deepest condolences....He will truly be missed! Most of the family knows of one of my fondest memories of Sam, was when Pete returned a punt for a touchdown for MSJ. Well I was doing play by play on WSYB, and recapped the play by saying, "Sam Rizziere with a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown..." We laughed about that all the time, rest in peace Mr Rizz!!
Carole (MInard)Shackleford
October 25, 2009
dear Barb and family
no matter what some one says,like
"" I know what you're going thru"",
well, some may, most don't. I learned that the hard way, when my oldest son passed two years ago,pictures, people, places you went together, are vivid memories, but not omfort. everyone grieves a diff way, and it lasts quite a while, I still pick up the phone, to call mom, and she passed 24 years ago.
But you WILL feel better in time, take all the time you need, and cry, let it out, don't hold it in for anyone, same with the children, crying brings comfort, it's a medecal fact. Pray to God, always, talk to HIm, share things with HIm, because ONLY HIM will be your greatest comfort. God bless and keep you all, sincerely
Carole (Minard) Shackleford
Christine Gregorio
October 24, 2009
Khrissy and Family:
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Rizziere's death. He was a great man and I will always remember him fondly.
Barbara (Hall) Metzler
October 23, 2009
What can I say but that our loss is Heavens' gain. You have always been like a second family to me and Sam my other Dad.I will truly miss him and wish for peace for you and the family.My heart goes out to you as well as my love,thoughts and prayers.
Annette French
October 22, 2009
Karen, Dominick, and Gabbrielle,
May the love of friends and family comfort you at this most difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you and that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Annette, Kevin, Kayla, Hannah and Paula
Annette French
October 22, 2009
Chris, Darren, Alexandra and Jillian,
May you find comfort with the love surrounding you by your family and friends. Please know that we are thinking of you, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Annette, Kevin, Kayla, Hannah and Paula.
Patty Maniery-Truman
October 22, 2009
Barb and family, So sorry for your loss. Sammy was a great teacher, neighbor and friend to all.
Deb St.Lawrence
October 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Blanche Pitts
October 21, 2009
Barbara and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. It so hard to loose someone you love but you have to believe he is at peace and is not suffering anymore.Just remember all the happy times and wonderful memories, that is something you will always have to cherish. Blanche Pitts
Muffe Heath
October 21, 2009
Dear Mr. Rizziere,
I hope you rest in peace with the rest of the angels and God taking care of you, as He does to all of us on Earth.
You were a wonderful person and great teacher. Everyone will miss you!
Love, Muffe
October 21, 2009
Mrs. Rizziere and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Rizziere...very fond memories of him at my parent's house during MSJ games...know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Marie Parker-Marallo
Don & Mary Ann Senecal
October 21, 2009
Dear Barbara and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Sam's death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Don and Mary Ann Senecal
Robyn, Curt and Andrew Esposito
October 21, 2009
Our hearts go out to the entire Rizziere family. We are so grateful that we visited with Mr. Rizziere weeks ago while he was watching video tapes of the MSJ/RHS game from '92. What a great last memory of Mr. Rizziere! We send our love, prayers and support to Barb and the Rizziere family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Charlie Norton
October 21, 2009
Sam was my roomate at St. Mike"s for 2 years and one couldn't have a better friend. It think the following will fittingly describe my memories of him. His Dad sent him a "record" of 'Cella Luna Mezza Mare" and often after we'd had some adult beverages he crank up the "Victrola" and things would get pretty wild.I can still picture him bopping around the room. He was one of the best,and my deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Norm & Noreen Duby
October 21, 2009
Dear Barb and family,
I was so sorry to read about your Sammy. It is so hard to loose a loved one. but at least you know he is at peace and not suffering. Remembering the happy times will get you through this, along with all the prayers sent your way.May GOD keep you strong.
Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Norman&Noreen (Daley)Duby
Jim Slattery
October 21, 2009
May he Rest in Peace. I remember Sam, a fine boy, a fine man and a fine friend. I remember fondly our experience together in 1950 at Cleveland, Ohio's "National Catholic Chorus"...He and I and Peg Ryan...Sam the boy Basso, Peg the Alto, and I in Tenor....we may have thought at the time there was some future business there. The train trip from Rutland, thru Buffalo,NY to Cleveland...and back I remember as hilarious....of course we had two Sisters...Annunciata and Catherine...fondly remembered as traveling companions that added to that happiness and my memory of Sam Rizziere. Our condolences to his family , friends and the MSJ class of "51". "send not to see for whom the bell tolls"....it tolls for us.
Terri Tuomisto-Davis
October 21, 2009
Mr. Rizz was one of my favorite teachers! He will certainly be missed!!!
My condolences to the family.
Joey Garafano
October 21, 2009
Thanks for the memories Mr Rizz. You had the ability to make a bad day good and a good school great. You will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family from the class of 72
Mike Barrett
October 21, 2009
The Yogi Berra of MSJ ............
October 21, 2009
Mr. Rizz will be missed by so many. He touched many lives and everyone loved him. He made my MSJ experience a great one! Rest in Peace.
Samantha Bacon-Racine
Class of 1990
October 21, 2009
Karen, Laura and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Mike & Lynn (Thow) McLoud
Jodi Muscatello-Cushing
October 21, 2009
To the Rizziere family: My sincere condolences on the loss of Mr. Rizz. He will be fondly remembered.
Jodi Muscatello-Cushing
Carole Notte
October 21, 2009
Barb and kids;
What can I say? I will always have the fondest memories of all of us on the front porch taking care of South Street. There are far roo many memories (good & bad)to list. Remember to sto and take a deep breath. All my love and prayers.
Carole
Carole Minard--Shackleford
October 21, 2009
Dear Barb, and family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, sincerely Carole (Minard
Shackleford
Carole Shackleford
October 21, 2009
Dear Barb, and family,
It just seems like so many from our class at the Mount, (61) are passing
away. I remember your pretty sweet face, and know that my thoughs and prayers are with you and yours.
Sincerely Carole (Minard)
Michael Keefe
October 20, 2009
To my great Uncle. I, as well as the rest of the family from Boston miss you already. Having faith, we will all meet once again and celebrate with you. Love YOU, Miss You,
Vaneza, Mike, Ariana, Eric and Matthew
Patricia Trapeni
October 20, 2009
My heart and love goes out to all of you at this sad time. Mr. Rizz was the BEST! I will always remember his good sense of humor and bubbly laugh.
May God give you comfort.......Pattie Aquistapace Trapeni
Christina Bordeau
October 20, 2009
Mr.Rizz will forever be a pillar of the Mount Saint Joseph Academy community. Like many, he was my history teacher and his greatest lesson was in teaching students to love and appreciate life and it's opportunities. His hallmark was "everything will be ok".
And so Mr. Rizz, as we mourn "There he goes" and your loved ones excitedly shout "Here he comes", may the heavenly angels surround you and wrap you in their wings, forever to remain in peace.
What a teacher, what a man, what a loss. Salut!
All my best,
Christina 1995/MSJ
October 20, 2009
My heart is broken,I loved calling him and sharing stories,laughing and all the"remember when's" and when he called he would always say this is your brother Sam". My answer was always"no kidding".,that was our routine. After all, he was my big brother, my special guy. Love you always.
Barb,Laurie,Karen,Krissy and Peter and all the kids-Love always. Joanie&Yogi
Jamie Ward
October 20, 2009
Mr. Rizz Thanks for the memories at MSJ in History class, and I am glad that I got to chat with you in Price Chopper last month, it was so nice seeing you and Barb.
My thoughts and prayers to Barb and the kids. Rest in peace Mr. Rizz and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Jamie Ward MSJ Class of 1980
Ray & Jeanne LeBeau
October 20, 2009
To Sam's family,
We will greatly miss Sam's sense of humor and his witty character. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Barbara. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to you during this difficult time.
Warmly,
Ray & Jeanne LeBeau
October 20, 2009
Quote from '51 Mount:
"Sammy....Always witty, always gay, winning friends with his charming way."
A classmate fondly remembered.
Sincere condolences to the family & many friends.
F. Joan (Minard) Abatiell
Asher Roebuck
October 20, 2009
MY deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Rizz's families. He was the best history teacher I ever had, the one who made you want to do good for your self and him. I'll always remember him putting jolly ranchers in his glass of cold water. We lost a great one.
Asher Roebuck, Class of 94
Donna (Hall) Chipman
October 20, 2009
Mrs. Rizziere, Laura, Karen, Chrissy and Peter,
I just heard about Mr. R. I'm so glad I was able to visit with him a couple of years ago when I was visiting Vermont and my Mom. I remember all the fun times growing up across the street. You guys were like my second family. Take comfort that he is in a better place and not suffering. He also has my Dad to keep him company. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bernie Miles
October 20, 2009
Sammy helped keep all us gut boy's in line and was a person we all respected
Jack Healey
October 20, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Sam's family.He was one of Rutland's colorful characters and will be missed.
Sara Hebert Tully
October 20, 2009
Good times, Mr. Rizz, good times. He definately left his mark on all of us. He will be remembered as a down to earth teacher that could relate to his students. He made a difference at MSJ and was one of a kind. Not a bad legacy to leave...My condolences to the family.
Tim and Sabrina
October 20, 2009
Laura, Khrissy & Karen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families and your mom.
Brian Heleba
October 20, 2009
I remember "Mr. Rizz" in my History class as a freshman. He was amazing... he was always the kind of guy who never took anything from his students. He was an amazing man and it's a great loss. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian Briggs-Heleba
MSJ Class of 2000
Margo Martin
October 20, 2009
Barb,
Please accept this as an expression of my sympathy in the passing of Sam. It was a pleasure to know him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 20, 2009
Barb, Laurie, Karen, Khris & Peter,
I am so sorry for you loss. Sammy was one of my best friends. I will always treasure the times on the front porch "supposing", our trips, and my life with him.
God's speed for him. My prayers, thoughts and whole-hearted condolence goes out to all of you and of course the grandkids.
Lou
Peter polcaro
October 20, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Rizziere family, I remember Sam from the times at my dad’s garage. What an infectious smile, some of my best memories from MSJ were because of him, truly a great guy.
Adrienne shortsleeve-Baker
October 20, 2009
This man was such a warm love. He was a super star at school. He used to call the girls 'toots'! I remember looking forward to getting my senior photos back so I could give him one to put among the many under the glass on his desk. He had a sweet, gentle way that I will always associate with my MSJ experience. God bless Mr. Riz!
October 20, 2009
Barb and family
I am verry sorry to hear of the passing of Sammy ,he was a great neighbor and family friend and will be missed.
Marilyn Maniery-Couture
George Grimm
October 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 20, 2009
Aunt Barbara, Laurie, Karen, Chrissy, Peter,
We are all thinking of you and we all have our own special memories of Uncle Sammy that we will treasure forever. That is one thing that belongs to you all and to you only,all those happy, funny, treasured memories no one can ever take away from you that will guide you through the days ahead. We know Julie will entertain you Dad and he will be ok.
Love always,
Tommy, Pattie (t) Gary & Dan
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