Obituary for
Giuseppe « Joe » Rizzo
Rizzo, Giuseppe (Joe)
Joe Rizzo passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 20, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Joe was born in Brognaturo, Vibo Valenzia, Italy on January 13, 1929.
He immigrated to Canada in 1956 at the age of 27. He moved in with his Zia Rosa in Port Arthur and worked mostly at Woods Bags and Canvas as a fabric cutter and retired from Lakehead Public School Board as a custodian. Joe was dedicated, loyal, and had a strong work ethic. He was very proud of the two homes that he built for his family. He was a member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur and St. Anthony’s R.C. Church.
Joe married the love of his life Maria Grazia Sanzo on January 28, 1967. Shortly thereafter his beautiful daughters Rosemary and Julie were born. His greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren Caleigh and Sarah. He was a devoted nonno, father and husband.
Joe’s passion was gardening and sharing his harvest. He valued visiting with friends and family. He enjoyed numerous get togethers, picnics, and celebrations where he often played cards or bocce. Joe and Maria would make homemade wine, soppressata and tomato sauce. Joe loved telling stories and always had good advice. He had a great smile and a big heart. He was extremely generous and would help anyone who needed him, anytime.
Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Maria; children Rosemary, Julie; grandchildren Caleigh, Sarah; sibling Maria Concetta Rizzo; in-laws Vincenzo Tassone, Bruna Rizzo, Giuseppe (Maria) Sanzo, Lucia (Annunziato) Caputo, Vincenza DeGiorgio, Eva Sanzo, Antonio Badolato, Giuseppina Sanzo in Italy; Zia Maria Rosa Tassone; nephew Raffaele Tassone whom he shared a close bond with. Many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive here, in Toronto, Australia and Italy.
Joe was predeceased by parents Francesco Nicola and Rosaria Rizzo, father and mother in-law Nicola and Giulia Sanzo; siblings Francesco Rizzo, Teresa (Francesco) Rizzo; in-laws Antonio Sanzo, Franco and Franca Daniele (nee Sanzo), Salvatore Sanzo, and Maria “Nella” Badolato (nee Sanzo).
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 24th, 2018 leaving Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street at 10:00 a.m. to St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation with viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 23rd from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Anthony’s Church, TBRHS Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund or the charity of your choice.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Giuseppe Joe
Rizzo 1929 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: THUNDER-BAY, Province: Ontario
