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Thomas David Rizzo - Class of 1956

Submitted by Pauline Rute Hall 1952 <Grammypgh@aol.com> on 22/Mar/2016
100.40.153.202

       Thomas David Rizzo died suddenly at home in Plant City, FL on Thursday, March 17, 2016. He was 77 years old. Tom was born in Newburgh, NY on Saturday, July 23, 1938 to the late Vito Ralph and Othilda Callahan Rizzo. Tom was a 1956 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and he soon joined the New York Army National Guard. While at NFA, Tom and his identical twin brother, John, would often be mistaken for one another. One night they decided to switch dates and see if their dates would notice…the results were disastrous. While still a young man, Tom worked at the Ritz Theater on Broadway in Newburgh, NY for almost 20 years. It was there that he developed his passion for old cinema movies and Rodgers and Hammerstein's music. Once he moved to Florida, Tom worked at Jesto and then at Brandon Auto Salvage, where he retired. Tom always embraced new things and as technology advanced, so did Tom's love for computers and all things technological. He had an uncanny ability, which some have called "magic", working on and diagnosing all things automotive. Tom was a kind man who loved animals. He was often outside feeding stray animals so they wouldn't be hungry and would have some companionship. Tom was welcoming to anyone who knocked on his door and needed either a place to stay or a hot meal. He never met a stranger. He was known for his playful and fun loving personality and will be sorely missed by those he affected. Tom's beloved wife Karen (nee Benner) Rizzo survives at home. He leaves behind his son, David of Cocoa Beach; his daughter, Sharon (Michael) Sherwood, of Jacksonville, AR; and his brother, Ralph Rizzo of Wallkill, NY. Also surviving are his children: Thomas (Kara) Rizzo Jr. of PA, Stephen (Peggy) Rizzo of CO, Christine Ramos of MA, and Margaret Schmidt of AZ; as well as his step children: William May of Wesley Chapel, Wendy Akers of Valrico, Leanne May of NY, Tracy Dubony of PA, and Jason May of Plant City. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, a granddaughter due in May 2016, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents; his son, James; his brother, Frank; his twin brother, John; and his other twin brothers, James and Samuel. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City, FL on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to St Jude's Children's Research Center.

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