Anthony "Tony" Rizzo, of Medford formerly of Somerville and Boston's North End, died peacefully at the Medford Extended Care Nursing Center, October 1st, following a lengthy illness. He was 91.
Tony was born and raised in Boston's North End, later moving to Somerville with his family. He worked for 56 years on Beacon Hill in Boston near the State House, first for a shoemaking firm and then for a firm who handled estate jewelry and antiques. He affectionately became known as the "Mayor of Beacon Hill." He loved joking and making people laugh, and was always the "life of the party." He enjoyed dancing with his wife of 67 years. He spent his later years living in Medford.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Grasso) Rizzo. Two daughters, Elaine Gaughan and her husband, Michael, of Medford, and Joanne Crosley, and her husband, Mitchell, of Middleton. He is also leaves four grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Erik DeVivo of Nashua, NH, Michael DeVivo of Medford, Sean and Marisa Crosley both of Middleton. He was the brother of Katherine "Katie" Giangrande of Medford, and the late Paul Rizzo. "Uncle Tony" also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be celebrated in The Grace Episcopal Church, 160 High St., MEDFORD, Thursday, October 6th, at 10 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford will be held on Wednesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at St. Michael Cemetery, Boston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anthony's memory to Perkins School for the Blind, c/o Trust Dept., 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02172.