Louis “Lou” Rizzo, 85 passed away suddenly on October 7, 2012. Mr. Rizzo is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine G. (Fusco) Rizzo and their children Eloise “Elly” Papile of Hingham, Karen B. Savino and her husband James Savino of Nahant, Therese R. Nicklas and her husband Gerald Nicklas of Quincy, Louis J. Rizzo of Mashpee, Dean A. Rizzo and his wife Barbara Anglin of Plymouth. He was known as Grampy to 11 grandchildren and Great-Grampy to 10 great-grandchildren. Lou is also survived by two brothers, Salvatore Rizzo and Charles Rizzo, and one sister Anna Mazzola, all of Quincy as well as many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Lisa M. Rizzo, his grandson Tyler Brack, granddaughter Acacia Rizzo-Cugno and his son-in-law Robert Papile.
Born Luigi Rizzo in Aragona, Sicily, he immigrated to America in 1928 with his mother to join his father in Quincy, MA. The first born child of Calogero “Charlie” and Rosalia Rizzo, he was their only child born in their native town. Mr. Rizzo lived most of his life in Quincy before moving to Braintree 3 years ago.
A graduate of North Quincy High School, Mr. Rizzo enlisted in the US Navy in his senior year of high school and served in the Pacific during World War II as a Seaman First Class where he received the WWII Victory, American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Theatre and Philippine Liberation Medals. An entrepreneur, Louis opened Louis Rizzo Hair Styles, Inc. in 1947 in downtown Boston. In 1972, he relocated his business to Quincy. Not one to sit still, Louis retired from hairdressing in 1984 to pursue new careers as a Realtor and Mortgage Originator and remained active in those pursuits until recently.
Lou had many talents and interests. At a young age he was selected as First Violinist in the NQHS Orchestra and carried a love of music his entire life. He enjoyed cooking, dancing, bowling, golfing and family trips to Cape Cod. A true gourmet, he enjoyed wine and fine dining. He loved to replicate an entrée he favored and gather his family around the table to share his culinary skills.
Throughout his adult life, Lou always found a place in his community where he could serve, often taking on a leadership position. He especially enjoyed his role as a Eucharistic Minister and delivered communion to many local nursing homes. He was a daily communicant at St. John the Baptist Church and recently at St. Francis of Assisi. As a resident of The Glen at Grove Manor, Lou’s helpful nature earned him the title “Honorary Mayor”. A true steward, Lou’s community service crossed many paths and touched many lives. He will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon when a Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home followed by Funeral Mass at Saint Francis of Assisi Church , 856 Washington St. Braintree at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Glen at Grove Manor Activities Fund 160 Grove Street Braintree, MA 02184 or Catholic Charities 51 Sleeper Street Boston, MA 02210 www.ccab.org/give.