Michael J. Rizzo

RIZZO, Michael J.(Mike) of East Boston, Age 87 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 20, 2021. He was a lifelong resident of  East Boston. Mike graduated with honors from Boston College High School. He attended Boston University. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of many years, Helen Barbara (Purcell). She was the greatest gift that Mike gave to his family, an incredible mother who we miss dearly. Mike served in the Navy as an aviation navigator during the Korean War.  He was the son of Rita (Ward) and Michael S. Rizzo. Mike was the dear  brother of Dr. Donald Rizzo and his partner Jess Baker of Santa Barbara, CA, Ronald and his wife Christine Rizzo of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI and he was predeceased by his sister, Retired Lt. Colonel Patricia Rizzo. Mike was the beloved father of Michael Rizzo and his wife Suzie of Winthrop, Steve Rizzo and his wife Cindy of Groton, Laureen Pulford and her husband John Pulford of Groton, Retired Lt. Colonel Christopher Rizzo and his wife Angela of Virginia, and Thomas Rizzo of Nashua, NH. Mike loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was the loved grandpa of Holly Hannon and her fiance Steven Schnelwar of Somerville, Isabella Rizzo of Lowell, Christopher Rizzo of Groton, Brittany Pulford and her partner Richard Blackwell of Cambridge, Adrianna Pulford of Denver, CO., C.J. Rizzo and his wife Rebecca Rizzo and Angelee Rizzo all from North Carolina, Zachary Rizzo and his partner Alexus Longo and John William Rizzo from Northwoods N.H. and Myles Rizzo from Yarmouth. Mike was blessed with a great-grandson, William Thomas Rizzo. Mike cherished family get togethers. Mike was a union laborer for over fifty years. Mike was a hard working laborer that his co-workers admired. He was at one point, the oldest laborer in the United States. Mike was very active and he loved bike riding and walking. He would walk up to seven miles a day into his 80’s. Mike enjoyed swimming laps at Shea’s beach. Mike spent many days at the Meridian Street Library where he read as many books as possible about Military History. Mike was a proud American and he greatly admired the military. Mike donated to numerous charities as varied as Native Americans, The Foundation for the Blind, Boys Town and Food Banks. He really enjoyed a cup of good coffee with a Lucky Strike cigarette.

Family and friends will honor Michael's life by gathering on Friday, December 10th at 10:45 AM at Massachusetts Nation Cemetery in Bourne, MA where he will be laid to rest with military honors. May he rest in peace.