Jennifer's Family History

Leonardo RIZZO

Male 1916 - 2006  (90 years)


Personal Information    |    Sources    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Leonardo RIZZO  [1, 2, 3
    Born 25 Jul 1916  Centerville, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 28 Dec 2006  Highland, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    Person ID I186  Jennifer's Family Tree-All Lines 10-25-2016
    Last Modified 5 Aug 2016 

    Father Giuseppe RIZZO,   b. 26 May 1877, Bagheria, Palermo, Sicily, Italy Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 16 Oct 1933, Highland, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 56 years) 
    Mother Maria BELVEDERE,   b. 28 Dec 1886, Marineo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aug 1970, Highland, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 83 years) 
    Married Aug 1903-1905 
    Family ID F427  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Martha SASO,   b. 13 Jul 1918, East Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 May 2006, Highland, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years) 
    Married 30 Jun 1940  Highland, Ulster, New York, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2
    Children 
     1. L. RIZZO
     2. G.A. RIZZO
     3. M. RIZZO
     4. M. RIZZO
     5. J. RIZZO
    Last Modified 5 Aug 2016 
    Family ID F4  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Sources 
    1. [S3] Famtree.ged (Reliability: 3).
      Date of Import: Sep 15, 2000

    2. [S125] Famtree.ged (Reliability: 3).
      Date of Import: Sep 15, 2000

    3. [S11] Jennifer's Family History ALL LINES 4-23-02 .FTW (Reliability: 3).
      Date of Import: Nov 23, 2003

    4. [S31] Obituary (Reliability: 3).
      HIGHLAND - Leonard Rizzo, 90, a native Highland resident, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2006 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a brief illness. Leo was a remarkable man who throughout his life contributed to the Highland Community. He encouraged people to do their best and not be afraid of hard work. As a young man, he worked on his family's farm in Centerville. In 1965, he created the Highland, New Paltz Rotary Club where he was the charter president. Leo had been a loyal Rotarian for 41 years and had been honored with many awards and recognitions from his fellow Rotarians. He was a great fundraiser for the Highland Rotary Club and an inspiration to other members. He was a former member and president of the Highland School Board and instrumental in building the high school. He was a firm believer in education. For over 25 years, he co-owned Rizzo Ford, on Route 9W in Highland, with his brother, Joseph "Peppy" Rizzo who predeceased him. During his years as a Ford Dealer, he became known to his employees as Bearcat. After his retirement in 1980, he spent winters in Florida and summers in Highland. He had many local friends. He loved working in his garden and small apple orchard. Leo would spend hours on his tractor grooming his lawn. Leo was an avid fisherman and sportsman. He took numerous trips to Canada with family and friends to go moose hunting and fishing. Often the fishing trips were followed by a family fish fry. On June 30, 1940, he married Martha Saso. who predeceased him in May 2006. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by five children, Lenny and Ellen Rizzo of Slidell, LA, George and Ellie Rizzo of Hollywood, FL, Maria and Tony Ruberto, Mark and Cathy Rizzo and Joseph Rizzo, all residing in Highland. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Lenny Rizzo, III, Maria Elena Ruiz, Wendy Blanchard, Jennifer Petrino, Marlena Fells, Mark Rizzo, Michael and Vinnie Rizzo and great grandchildren, Gianna and Gene Hunter Ruiz, Francesca Petrino, Rachael Blanchard and Kala Rizzo. He is survived by one brother, Thomas Rizzo of Highland and many nieces and nephews. Leo will be greatly missed by his family and friends who honored him with a surprise 90th birthday party in July. Leo was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Maria Rizzo, his brothers, Gus and Peppy Rizzo and his sisters, Mary Grasso, Josephine LaSusa, Rosalie Bragg and Ann DallVechia. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 2, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main St., Highland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church of Esopus, NY at 10 am. Burial will follow in Lloyd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to the Highland Rotary Club, PO Box 723, Highland, NY 12528. For directions, please visit our website at www.torsonememorial.com.