Felicia Rizzo Andres

Felicia Ann Ruscitti Rizzo Andres (Flicka) left our earthly world peacefully and with family by her side on March 5, 2021 after a life very well lived of nearly 98 years. She is loved and will be missed by many.

Flicka was born on March 30, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated as valedictorian from high school in Brooklyn, Ohio. Flicka became a Registered Nurse after attending St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. St. John’s Hospital was also where she met the love of her life, Russell Paul Rizzo (Russ), MD (d1982), an Orthopedic Surgeon. Flicka and Russ were married in 1949, settled in Lakewood, Ohio and raised their three children. A more loving couple and supportive parents this world has never seen.

Flicka had many talents, shined in many roles, and had a wide range of interests and experiences. Flicka was an excellent chef and enjoyed entertaining. As a designer and seamstress, she created everything from silk dresses to ultra suede suits to camel hair coats. Flicka had a green thumb and greatly enjoyed tending to her gardens. Her musical talents included a beautiful singing voice, as well as a love for playing the piano, violin and mandolin. Flicka and Russ enjoyed traveling the world and collected many fine curios during their travels domestically and abroad. Artistically, Flicka’s talents included juried paintings in oils, charcoal and Chinese watercolor. She learned the art of Nantucket basket weaving and created beautiful pieces. Golfing and related activities, including serving as club chairwoman of golf and house committees, were prominent in her life. Club memberships included Elyria CC and Westwood CC in the Cleveland area, Wilderness CC in Naples, and Oyster Harbors CC in Osterville, Cape Cod. Flicka even assumed the role of architect and designer of her Cape Cod home. Tennis was an activity Flicka enjoyed later in life. Bridge was also an activity Flicka enjoyed later in life while living at The Glenview of Pelican Bay in Naples. Flicka was a people person, a conversationalist, and an advocate.

Flicka had a strong Catholic faith throughout her life. She joined in the church choir, and served as Eucharistic Minister and Bereavement Counselor.

Flicka was married later in life to Arthur Edward Andres (d2015) for 25 years. Flicka and Arthur divided their time between Osterville and Naples. They were both avid golfers and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Flicka is predeceased by her Mother (Virginia Ruscitti) and Father (Donato Ruscitti) and brother (Chris Ruscitti).

She is survived by her three children, Josanne (Tom) Sabourin of Naples, Florida and Paul Rizzo of Columbus, Ohio, and Gina (Bruce) Rizzo Anderson of Columbus, Ohio, and sister Aida Ruscitti, and two granddogs Lucca and Gryffy.

Memorial services will be held in Naples, Florida. A Private Visitation will be attended by immediate family members only, due to Covid-19. All friends are welcome to attend Mass at St. William Catholic Church on Thursday, March 11th at 9:45 a.m. Respectful social distancing and mask wearing is required. The Mass will be live streamed at www.saintwilliam.org

Final interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, with her beloved husband, Russ.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are welcomed at https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/Flicka the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Memorial Fund in Flicka’s name.

Honoring Flicka’s wishes, a Memorial Celebration of Life Reception will be held at a later date due to the Covid Pandemic.

“We love you, Mom, bunches and bunches, forever”