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Santo Rizzo Obituary
Loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was active in the New Dorp community
Santo "Sam" Rizzo, 83, passed away suddenly at home, in Fort Meyers Beach, Fla., on Dec. 18, 2018.
Mr. Rizzo was born on Jan. 2, 1935, in Tompkinsville, S.I., to the late Antoinette (Massa) and Alfred Rizzo. He grew up in Tompkinsville and played football for Curtis High School. He was also on the permanent honor roll. He married high school sweetheart, Joan Taverner, in 1957.
They raised their family in New Dorp, where Sam was a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace. He volunteered with the Staten Island Little League, serving as coach, umpire, and later becoming president in 1972. He also volunteered with the Staten Island Peewee Football League and was president from 1973 to 1976. Sam was a lifetime member of the Board of Governors for both organizations. He was also a member of the Seaver Avenue Mens' Club. Sam worked for NYCHA for more than 30 years as a manager and retired in 1991.
Sam and his wife, Joan, moved to Fort Myers Beach shortly retirement. In 2006, he opened Marsala's Restaurant in Bonita Beach, Fla - he loved working there. Sam enjoyed fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family as well as his many friends and employees that were like family to him. He finally retired in 2014.
Sam is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan; his children, Alfred Rizzo and wife, Barbara (late wife Joanne), Laura Rizzo, Barbara Weaver and husband, Dave, Sandra Stern, and Christopher Rizzo; his 12 grandchildren, Lizz Garber, David Weaver, Maggi Petersen, Sara Montalvo, Melanie Abate, Christina Di Stefano, Lisa Rizzo, Cassandra Stern, Kelly Stern, Robert Stern, Olivia Rizzo, and Brian Rizzo, as well as his four great-grandchildren. His beloved sister, June Keller, passed away three months ago.
Visitors will be received on Thursday, Dec. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Friday, Dec. 28, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Ln., S.I., N.Y. 10306. A Memorial Mass will be held in his honor on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Santo's name to Michael's Cause.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Santo Rizzo
Sponsored by Hanley Funeral Home, Inc. - Staten Island.
6 Entries
December 27, 2018
I have 63 years of good memories of my dear brother-in-law Santo. I have vivid memories of the times when San and I were dating the twin sisters, Joan and Dot, who were to become our wives. He was a good and generous soul.
Mike Doherty
marilyn stark
December 27, 2018
frpm an old colleague.. so sorry joan.
Frank the Irishman
December 26, 2018
I was one of Mr Rizzo's employees and it is true that we felt like a family. We were a tight-knit group all united in a single cause: we all had Mr Rizzo's back. Proud to have spent good, quality hours with the man. Truly sorry for your loss and condolences to you, Mrs. Rizzo, as well as to the rest of the family.
December 26, 2018
So sorry for your sudden loss. It is never easy losing a loved one, reliance on God is necessary.-1 Corinthians 15:55
Bill Sheehan
December 26, 2018
So sorry to hear of Sammys passing. He always treated me so well. I will truly miss him and so will many others. Rest in peace Bill Sheehan
December 26, 2018
Rest in peace Sam. It was such an honor that I met you over 30 yrs. ago. You're beautiful smile and your generous kindness will always be remembered. It was great to always see u in Florida & know I would get a great New York pizza at at your place. Loved always catching up with you. Rest in peace my brother, love ya. Frankie S.
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Memorial Events
for Santo Rizzo
Dec
27
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hanley Funeral Home, Inc. - Staten Island60 New Dorp Ln, Staten Island, NY 10306
Dec
28
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hanley Funeral Home, Inc. - Staten Island60 New Dorp Ln, Staten Island, NY 10306
Dec
28
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hanley Funeral Home, Inc. - Staten Island60 New Dorp Ln, Staten Island, NY 10306
Funeral services provided by:
Hanley Funeral Home, Inc. - Staten Island60 New Dorp Ln, Staten Island, NY 10306
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