Sharon L. Rizzo

Sharon Rizzo, 73, of Toms River passed away at Community Medical Center on Thursday, June 1, 2023. She was born and raised in Ocean County and was a true “Jersey Girl.” Sharon and her husband, Anthony, were married and purchased their first home in Manchester Township where they raised their family. Family was the most important thing to Sharon.

As her children were growing up, she instilled a great sense of community in them. Sharon started and ran the concession stand for the Manchester Township High School wrestling team during home matches. She was an active volunteer for over 35 years with Special Olympics New Jersey. She coached Special Olympics Athletes in both rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, bowling, and swimming. Sharon was the volunteer and training coordinator for SONJ Area 6 (Ocean/Monmouth County). In 2002-03 she and her family were recognized by the State as the Special Olympics New Jersey Family of the Year.

Sharon was predeceased by her husband, Anthony, Father, Pasquale “Pat” Juliano and her mother, Ruth Clara (Hulse) Juliano. She is survived by her brother, John Juliano of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, her son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Michelle Pope Rizzo, and her daughter Julianne. She is also survived by her granddaughter Lily and 4 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, June 7th at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 8th at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Toms River. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Area 6 Special Olympics, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.