Vincent "Vince" Ronald Rizzo

Vincent “Vince” Ronald Rizzo, age 93, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Vince was born on August 30, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Vince graduated from Mishawaka High School in Mishawaka, Indiana in 1947 and joined the Navy for one year active duty and 6 years reserve duty.

Vince received a 4 year diploma from the Department of Labor in tool and die after serving an apprenticeship which included 8000 hours of on the job training and classroom studies. After many years of tool and die and mold making he gravitated towards the plastic industry as it gained momentum in the marketplace, as well as working as a sales engineer.

Vince married Patti Lingscheit Hewitt in November 1981 after moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. They had a dream and together founded a new business Valley Precision Plastics Corporation, which they operated for 17 years before selling and retiring in 2000.

Vince began to enjoy his passion for cooking which entailed many Italian dishes and his first love which was pizza. Growing up with three Uncles who had pizza restaurants he learned all the tricks of the trade and incorporated those into making pizzas for everyone. He was even invited for hosting some ‘‘pizza lesson” parties. He was in Heaven sharing his pizza making. Vince was well known amongst friends and neighbors for his wonderful pizza into his nineties.

Vince’s other passion was learning, especially about the world’s philosophies and culture. He and Patti did that by traveling abroad to many countries through the years. They always traveled on their own, and after much research, renting their own cars and driving while mixing with the locals.

Vince lived by The Golden Rule, he was a gentle soul and was loved and respected by many. He strived to be a better person every day and we miss him dearly.

He is preceded in passing by his son Michael Rizzo, his father George Rizzo, his stepmother Rafaella Rizzo, his mother Lela Bellmore and his brother Michael Rizzo. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate Patti, together with his children and stepchildren; Chris Rizzo (Judy), Vince Rizzo Jr. (Kimberly), Anna Marie Morrett (Jeffery), Lonni Hewitt (Jennifer), Cari Lima (Eric); his brother Ralph Rizzo (Pakkawan) and his sister Georgianna McNamara (Bob); 9 grandchildren and step grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and step nieces and nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews and step grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service for Vince will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Rizzo family.