Ralph J. Rizzo, a lifelong Charlestown resident, entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford following an extended illness. He was 78 years old.
Ralph was born in Boston on June 10, 1937, a son of the late Edmund "Pete" Rizzo and Mary (Hannon) Rizzo. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated at St. Catherine's Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1956. Ralph enlisted into the United States Army on September 12, 1958 and served his country faithfully and with honor. He was honorably discharged on September 6, 1960 with the rank of SP4. Ralph worked as a milkman for Hoods Milk Company in Charlestown many years ago before he began working for Brockway Smith Trucking Company as a warehouseman and was a member of Teamsters Union Local # 25 and retired after over 30 years of dedicated employment. He was a member of the Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus and The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association.
Ralph is the beloved husband of the late Elena M. (Venezia) Rizzo. He is the devoted father of Lieutenant Colonel Ralph J. Rizzo Jr. United States Marine Corps and his wife Mila of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Natalie Rizzo of Charlestown, Noreen Rizzo of Charlestown and the late Mark Paul Rizzo. He is the loving Papa to Mark Anthony Rizzo, Nicholas Scott Rizzo and Arlene Marie Rizzo. He is the beloved brother of Paul Rizzo and his wife Mary of Charlestown and the late Edmund "Buddy" Rizzo and his surviving wife Judy of Everett. He is the beloved brother-in-law of Michael Venezia of Saugus. He is the dear friend of Mary Phinney of Somerville. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ralph's Funeral on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Visiting hours will be on Monday, September 21, 2015 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Ralph's name to The Semper FI Fund, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, California 92057.