Major Charles Rizzo (U.S. Army Retired) was born January 30, 1933 in New York City. He was a man who loved only one thing more than his country: his family. There was never a more devoted husband to his beloved bride Virginia and a loving father to his sons Larry and Mike and to his cherished grandchildren. He was fiercely loyal to friends and family. Any time spent with family was when he felt most at home. He valued education and made the education of his children and grandchildren a top priority. He completed his own education at 41 years old from Oglethorpe University. He was a man with a taste for the finer things in life. Food, drink, travel, clothes, cars, and jewelry. He only wanted the best for his family. Second only to his family was his love of God and Country. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and enjoyed praying and laughing with his church family. He was well loved and respected for his generosity. As a devoted Catholic, no matter where he traveled, he made it a priority to find a church on Sunday so he could receive communion. No matter the situation, you could always count on Charles to pray for you. His patriotism and commitment to his country were unparalleled. After a difficult childhood, Charles began his military service at 16 years old. He had to forge his parent’s signature to enlist. His devotion to his country was evidenced by his 25 distinguished years of military service that included tours in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His service to his fellow countrymen did not end with his military service though. If he had anything to do with it, no man who served would ever feel alone, volunteering rides and an open ear to any veteran who needed it. Up until his death he enjoyed meeting with his veteran buddies for coffee and camaraderie. He will be deeply missed by his community, his church, his family and his poker buddies. He is survived by his sons Mike (Saralynn) DeMarcus, Larry (Laura); his grandchildren Clay (Michelle) DeMarcus, Glenn DeMarcus, Stefanye DeMarcus, and Kevin (Jessica) DeMarcus and one great grandchild, Joseph Michael DeMarcus; his sister Antonia Laraki; brother Sam (Carol) Shama; his nephews and nieces Nick (Lucia) Protopapas, Steve Marchisella, Hamid Laraki, Saul (Toni) Shama and Bianca (Jack) Rhinehart. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews, Isabel, Max, Della, Rubin and Tali. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Virginia Stallworth DeMarcus Rizzo, his daughter Victoria Rizzo and his brother Joseph Rizzo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. To quote Charles, “the bottom line is, at the end of the day, it is what it is”. We love you, Charlie. Funeral services will be held Monday, the 16th of September at 11 o’clock in the morning at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. The rite of committal will follow at Arlington Memorial Park with full military honors. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family Sunday, the 15th of September from 4 until 6 o’clock in the evening at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel.
