Joseph Rizzuto

Rizzuto, Joseph
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. - Joseph E. Rizzuto of Longboat Key, Florida and Halfmoon, N.Y., passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Anne Louise of 64 years, his daughter and son-in law, Donna and Michael Goldbeck; his daughter and son-in law, Barbara and Peter Palfrey; and his son and daughter in law, Peter and Aggie Rizzuto. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Josephine Rizzuto; and sister, Amy Guidotti. He is survived by his grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Smith, Taylor (Ian) Mathew, Nick (Cassandra) Goldbeck, Alex Palfrey, Sarah Palfrey and Garrett Rizzuto; as well as his brother, Charles Rizzuto, his brother-in-law, John (Judy) Sibilla; and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on September 1, 1932. He earned a full scholarship to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art where he graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. He received his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and shortly thereafter became a licensed Professional Engineer in New York State. Joe specialized in thermodynamics, heat transfer and applied mechanics.
He was responsible for the thermal control of equipment on the lunar module and the development and implementation of alternative energy and conservation technologies.
Joe was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved spending time with his family, especially boating and picnicking on the Islands of Lake George. Skilled and competitive, Joe enjoyed playing duplicate bridge with his regular partners, and was a patient teacher to one who wanted to learn the game. Never one to be idle, Joe loved gardening and tackling all types of home improvement projects. Joe served on the board of his Longboat Key condo association for many years.
A celebration of Life will be held later this year.