Michael A. Rizzo

Michael A. Rizzo, 79, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of East Hartford, beloved husband of Rita King-Rizzo, died peacefully on Friday, (July 22, 2005) at the Indian River Estates, Vero Beach, FL. He was born May 27, 1926 in Hartford and was the son of the late Andrew and Eufemia (Sarli) Rizzo. He was a World War II, US Navy veteran, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and worked most of his life in the transportation industry, retiring from the State of Connecticut in 1987. Mike was an avid bowler, loved playing cards, bingo, cooking and traveling. He was lifetime member and past commander of the VFW, Post # 254, Newington. He was a former communicant of St. Isaac Joques Church, East Hartford. He was predeceased by his first wife, Catherine (Pizzoferrato) Rizzo; a son, Joseph Rizzo; a sister, Annette Sika, brothers-in-law, Fred Sika and Leo DiScipio; and a stepdaughter, Patricia. He is survived by his children, Andrew M. Rizzo and his wife, Mary Anna of Hartford, Michael W. Rizzo and his wife, Ellen of Glastonbury, Mary-Anne Paulino and her husband, Orlando of Hebron, step-children, Diane Flynn and her husband, Randy of Long Island, NY, George F. King, Jr. and his wife, Patti of Port St. Lucie, Fl. And Tom King and his wife, Marcea of Eagan, MN; sisters and brothers and their spouses, Kay DiScipio, Terry and William McGowan, Dominic and Rosalie Rizzo, Angie and Jack Kluntz, Mary Lou and Dave Roe and Andy and Shirley Rizzo; grandchildren, Andrea and her fiancée, Eric, Andy Jr., Valerie, Orlando, Gino, Maria, Scott, David, Elizabeth, Christina, David, Zach, Michelle and George Robert; and a great granddaughter, Gabriela as well as many loving nieces and nephews and dear and close friends in CT. and Fl. A very special thank you to the VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Fl. for all of the care, love and compassion shown to Mike and his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Isaac Joques Church, One Community Street, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. There will not be a graveside service. Calling hours will be TODAY from 4-8 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Avenue, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT. 06450-1004 or to the VNA Hospice Foundation, Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. For on line expressions please visit www.desopo.com