I'll always remember Coach Rizzo from my days at Lanier.
Tom Zakes
Class of 77

Ah, dear Charlie, my fleet of foot halfback on our Reagan High, B Team.

Charlie was my first friend when I moved to Houston in 1946.  From Hogg Jr. High through Reagan High School, Charlie was my closest, truest friend.  After graduation in 1952, I lost track of Charlie until one day in the basement of a city building, a young boy was running prints for me with the name of Rizzo.  I asked if he knew Charlie Rizzo.  He said that was his Dad.  So the relationship restarted 60 years later,

Every time I went to the Tomball area, I’d call & have lunch with Charlie reliving our school days.  When Charlie’s knees were better, we’d meet at AAA Restaurant on Airlie DR at the Farmers Market with our Reagan friends including Hawk.  When the knees went out, it would be Denny’s near Tomball with Hawk & Dance Hall.

Charlie, I love you, till we meet again, so long, my friend.

George Polydoros


Coach Rizzo was always such a nice man with a warm smile for all the students. Sending my condolences to his family. 

Coach Rizzo was truly a positive influence on me.  He instilled values and ethics that I’ve carried with me throughout my life. He was kind, warm, intelligent, knowledgeable and fair.  I was so sad to learn that he had left this world, but in doing so, he left it a better place.  

Thank you, Coach. 💖

Played football at Lanier MS coach was a great man, coach , and mentor...RIP

Coach Arizona was my coach at Lanier Middle School, like he was too many student-athletes.  Only find memories of him and knowing he is the reason I was a high school QB.  He gave me my shot!  Blessing la to his family and all of the students’ lives he touched, in the halls and football fields of Lanier Middle School.

It was the spring of 1985. Coach Rizzo was standing on the sidelines watching a gang of kids play a game of pick-up football. It was my turn to play quarterback. We rotated because that was everyone's favorite position. I noticed coach paying attention so I called a play that would send my receiver streaking up the sideline where he was standing. "Set....hut hut!" I dropped back and threw the ball as hard as I could. A perfect spiral came out of my hand and landed in the hands of my friend that went on and scored the touchdown. It felt like a 65-yard pass. It was probably more like 30 or 35 but it was exhilarating! I ran toward the touchdown to celebrate holding my hand and one finger in the air. As I ran past coach I yelled out "Did you see that?" And with his eyes wide open and a slight smile he shook his head yes. The following year I started off the football season as his quarterback. Looking back, coach Rizzo gave us the confidence to be who we wanted to be. That's who he was. Like any great teacher he added to our character and being. Writing down this story brought back memories and emotions. Even some uncontrollable emotions... But he wouldn't want that. He would just look at me through my face mask and say "Calm down! Run the next play!" And that's what I plan to do coach! I'll miss you!

Coach Rizzo was definitely one of the kinder coaches. On the field he taught me perseverance when I didn't get the results that I wanted in athletics. He taught me how to lose gracefully when I wasn't selected to be on the football team in the seventh grade. Off the field he taught me the value of keeping my word of honor. He was nice to me when some of the other coaches were not. Offering condolences to his family at this difficult time

Coach was a big part of my time at Lanier. So sad to hear of his passing, but grateful for my time with him.  A warm, funny, caring man, I will always remember him fondly.

Coach Rizzo, you were such a huge impact on my pre teen years at Lanier. You were so warm and kind, always willing to listen and encourage me. I always looked up to you and admired your sweet nature.  I will miss you dearly.  Love you Coach!!!

Coach Rizzo was my middle school gym teacher. He was a very kind and supportive teacher. When my child started Lanier he was one of the first teacher's I remembered and hoped to see during orientation, granted it was wishful thinking. My condolences to the family. May his smile continue to brighten up spirits in heaven.

“Coach” and Father to Many. At Klein School, Hitchcock School, and Lanier School. Teaching all sports and his specialty was Football. 

“Coach” and Father to Many. Lanier Football 1987

“Coach” and Father to Many. Lanier 1985

Correction to his date of death is Tuesday, 5-26-2020. Diagnosed with a kidney infection 75% well. Was going to be released from Park Manor Rehabilitation in a couple of days.

Correction on the date of death is on Tuesday, 5-26-2020. 

Who was lucky enough to have a friend like Charlie. Judy and I were. Along with Dunlap, Greek, Morwood, We all met at Hogg Jr Hi. and stayed pretty close thru Reagan. Charlie never used profanity and stayed non political to the end. I tried to call charlie nearly every day.  After several days I was told the bad news. I know that God has a place for you, but Judy and  I will miss you terribly.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Charles Anthony Rizzo

30 mai 1934 – 26 mai 2020

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home

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