Michael R. Rizzo

Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 4th, 1935, to Angelo and Jean Rizzo. He attended PS 163 through 8th grade, after which he attended the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, which he enjoyed immensely. He went on to study Civil Engineering at the City College of New York (CCNY), where he formed the Student-Faculty Committee on Student Affairs, volunteered as the student social director on campus, joined ROTC, served as class president all four years, and graduated at the top of his class. He also had the good fortune to meet his future wife, Marion Rizzo, just in time for the All College Prom. It was a very productive time for Michael, to say the least. He and Marion were married on February 6th, 1960, at St. Finbar’s Church in Brooklyn, NY; They raised their family and resided in Orange CT for nearly sixty years before moving to Madison CT.

During his two years of active service in the Army Corps of Engineers, he helped develop the ‘ERDlator’ while working at the Engineer Research and Development Labs. It is a water purification system that became widely used throughout the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. He also worked as Trial Counsel in the Fort Belvoir JAG office. After an honorable discharge, his work in the Army led to him taking a role as a Sales Engineer at the Trane Company, then later Fedders Company and Skinner Valve Company. In 1980 he leveraged his expertise to launch American Consulting and Training, providing market analysis and strategic planning to many Fortune 500 Companies. His work and speaking engagements took him and Marion all around the world, from Brazil, to Australia, to Paris and beyond. In 1987 he wrote and published a book titled How to Make Profits with Service Contracts. Michael retired from his storied career in 2011. He was the President of the Kensington Acres South HOA at the time of his passing.

During retirement, Michael’s love of travel continued through multi-generational trips with his growing family to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Bermuda and Italy. He volunteered with The Shore Line Trolley Museum, where he became a licensed conductor and raised funds through grants. He was especially delighted to be the Conductor in the Polar Express event every holiday season at OLM grammar school and East Shoreline Catholic Academy.

Throughout his life, when not busy with his business, Michael found great fulfillment in woodworking. He built a woodshop in his home and would craft projects large and small, from stunning cherry cabinets to delicate side tables, to sturdy and whimsical toys for his grandkids, including seesaws, sleighs, and rocking horses. Every Christmas would bring new wooden treasures to the gift pile, and his whole family will enjoy these handcrafted keepsakes for generations to come.

Michael R. Rizzo is survived by his wife Marion, their three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Debbie Bernal, her husband Dr. Rusty Bernal of Mashpee, MA (formerly of Norwich and Quechee, VT), their daughters, Holly Bernal, Elizabeth Hall and husband Tyler Hall, and their grandchild, Theodore Hall, who reside in New York City. Susan Muckle and husband Joe Muckle of Madison, CT. and their two sons, Christopher Muckle and Andrew Muckle who reside in New York City and Mystic, CT respectively. Michael Rizzo Jr. and wife Elizabeth Rizzo of Enfield, NH, and their daughter, Samantha Rizzo who currently attends the University of New Hampshire.

Calling hours will be Sunday 3-5pm at Swan’s Funeral Home in Madison, CT.

A service in celebration for Michael’s life will be held at St. Margaret's Church, in Madison, Connecticut at 10 am on Monday, February 5th, followed by burial at Madison’s West Cemetery.

In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to East Shoreline Catholic Academy.

62 Cedar St. Branford, CT 06405 HTTP://bit.ly/ESCAdonate

A luncheon will follow at Nataz Restaurant 1 West Main St.Clinton CT 06143