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Joseph F. Rizzo

Joseph Rizzo Obituary

RIZZO, JOSEPH F. (Age 67)

Of Charlotte, NC, died May 27, 2004 at his residence.

Mr. Rizzo was born December 6, 1936 in Washington, DC at Sibley Hospital, son of the late Salvatore and Nancy Cardia Rizzo. He grew up in Capitol Heights, MD. Joe served in the United States Air Force in the early 1950's.

After serving the Air Force, he began a 40-year plus career in the television media, Mr. Rizzo started with DuMont Broadcasting (later Metromedia and most recently Fox Broadcasting) in the mid-1950s as a television film editor. In 1972, he was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with an Emmy for Outstanding Program Achievement for his work on The Ten O'clock News. In 1981, Mr. Rizzo received another Emmy for the program "Hostages Welcome to Washington." During his career he served as Editor, Producer and News Operations Manager for The Ten O'clock News. In 1987, he was recognized by his peers for his lifetime contribution to the Washington, D.C. area news community by being inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle and will be missed by the many people whose lives he so generously touched.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joseph Rizzo will be held 7 p.m., Saturday, May 29, 2004 at McEwen Pineville Chapel with The Reverend Conrad C. Hoover, St. Ann Catholic Church, officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

Mr. Rizzo is survived by his wife, Glendora Ann Rizzo; daughter, Ann Marie Maier and husband, William of Charlotte; son, Edward Eric Rizzo and wife, Maryann of Waldorf, MD; grandchildren, Bonnie Dale Draper and Caitlin Alison Rizzo of Waldorf, MD and Lauren Marie Maier of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law, Gayle Moats; niece, Kelly Ann Moats and nephew, Danny Moats.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

McEWEN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, Pineville Chapel, (704) 544-1412

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from May 30 to May 31, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Rizzo

19 Entries

Kelly Smith

June 7, 2004

I remember spending time with my uncle Joe growing up. He taught me how to swim and took me on alot of vacation adventures. I will never forget the times I got to spend with him and I will always love and miss him.

Kelly Taylor

June 6, 2004

Uncle Joe was a great man. There are so many wonderful things he did for me as child. Every summer he made sure I had at least one and somethimes two weeks vacation in Ocean City. Prior to the first trip he took me to Chesapeake Beach to teach me how to swim. Uncle Joe threw me in six feet of water and said swim. I did. You will always have a special place in my heart! Love You Molly Moats

Gayle Moats

June 6, 2004

Word's cannot describe what a wonderful person you were. What a pleasure it was to have you for my brother-in-law. It has been quite an honor to know you, love you, and be at your bedside as you walked thru the gates of Heaven. You will always be my "BUDDY" Love Sal

Diane Gardiner

June 5, 2004

Joe was my cousin, however, he was more like a "Big Brother". We spent many of our growing up years together. He was always patient and kind and caring. He always made you feel that you could succeed at anything you wanted to do, and he'd be the first to encourage you on. We shared the good times as well as some difficult times together, and I will miss him so. He has touched so many lives, throughout his life. What a tremendous legacy to leave.

All my love, Diane

Eric Rizzo

June 3, 2004

I knew my father was a wonderful man. He was compassionate and loving. I, however, did not realize how many people's lives he touched. I went through my childhood worshiping him. Arrogantly, I went through my adolescence believing I could someday be better than him. In my adulthood, I realized I would be lucky to be half the man he was. He was truly a gentle man. I thank each of you for your kind words, they have offered comfort and support in this difficult time.

Geoffrey Manifold

June 3, 2004

Joe Rizzo was a wonderful friend and helped me as a young photographer as much as he could. He gave the station a family feeling that you don't see much any more. Sitting and talking with Joe after an election or the visit of the Pope always made your day complete. Thanks for everythinhg Joe. Love, Geoff

My family's deepest condolences go out to your family at this difficult time

Joan Perry

June 3, 2004

I met Joe Rizzo some 25 years ago. He was the guy who “knew all” in the newsroom. According to some, he’d already been there “forever“ so he was the man to get things done. And he did! I saw him work under plenty of pressure situations and through it all he was unflappable. Joe maintained his good humor and good sense while many of us panicked! WTTG was so lucky to have Joe Rizzo in their newsroom getting the show on the air every night. Those people who never met Joe certainly saw the fruits of his labors over the years on the Ten O’clock News, and they too are lucky. Joe will be missed all over Washington. My prayers go out to his family.

Annie Maier

June 3, 2004

I find enormous comfort in knowing the impact Daddy had on so many people. I have always been so very proud of him. He was hard working, intelligent,creative, and conscientious. But most of all he was kind and generous. No detail was too small, no person insignificant. It has been a blessing and a privledge to be his daughter. I will miss him terribly, but I thank God he is now at peace.

Pat Corcoran

June 2, 2004

I had the great privilege of knowing Joe for about 15 years. Absolutely nothing rattled him, no matter how big or catastrophic it seemed.

He was smart and gifted and funny, but he was also very, very kind; that's what I'll remember about him.

Steven Fustero

June 2, 2004

My first job in television was working for Joe Rizzo as an assistant for the Ten O'Clock News back in the days of Delores Handy and Jackson Bain. Joe taught be everything and he was a passionate, kind, and funny guy. Thank you Joe. You made a difference in my life.

Bob Ostrom

June 2, 2004

It is truly my good fortune to remember Joe as a good friend and co-worker for over 25 years at WTTG. Everyone he touched will remember him for his tenacity, perseverance, kindness, humor, and dedication to the News of the day. His television legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all the people he mentored and encouraged throughout his career.

Don Watrud

June 1, 2004

Washington TV has lost a legend. Joe Rizzo made it happen. Election nights, special events, etc. all went smoothly because Joe did the homework. I am proud to have worked with him for almost 20 years and to be his friend. All the (old) photographers at WTTG will miss you. You are not forgotten.

nathalie joost

June 1, 2004

Joe Rizzo will be missed by everyone who worked with him at WTTG. He had an unsurpassed institutional knowlege of news workings in D.C. Moreover, he remained sane through some of the most insane times in the newsroom.

His sanity and perspective will be missed, but also his willingness to help everyone who asked for his assistance. I miss him every day.

Jeff Ballou

June 1, 2004

Allow me to add my voice to the multitude of television news professionals who can say that Joe has been a great teacher, cheerleader, mentor and a blessing to all. Joe helped me to learn my way around many things in a newsroom. The glory in watching Joe work is that he simply knew how to make things happen and happily share that knowledge with others. I will miss his knowledge, humor and warmth. It was a privilege to work with him at WTTG.

FRANK TRAYNOR

June 1, 2004

Joe Rizzo was one of the nicest and funniest guys I ever met in this business.Nearly twenty years ago when I walked into WTTG,Joe showed me the ropes. My prayers go out to his family.

Adrian Dales

June 1, 2004

I am grateful to have been one of Joe's co-workers and friends. I worked with Joe at WTTG from 1970, when Joe was a film editor, until 1981 when Joe was producing the 10:00 News. He was always a true professional and valued friend. The television community is diminished by his passing. My sincere sympathies to his family.

Erin Dalder

June 1, 2004

Joe Rizzo was such an incredible person. During my time at Channel 5 he helped me become a great Assistant Director. Whenever I had a question, he took time to answer it. And when things hit the fan (as it often does in News) he jumped in and got the job done while cracking a funny line or two. I will miss him.

Joel Albert

May 31, 2004

Joe was an important professional friend and ally and, at the same time, a most worthy competitor. I am saddened by his loss. Sincere sympathies to his family.

Morris Jones

May 31, 2004

MY LIFE WILL FOREVER BE ENRICHED BY KNOWING AND WORKING WITH JOE RIZZO. WHEN I STARTED AT WTTG CHANNEL 5 IN WASHINGTON SOME 20 YEARS AGO IT WAS JOE WHO TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING. I AM HONORED TO HAVE HAD JOE IN MY LIFE.

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