Obituary for Samuel Rizzo
Samuel Rizzo
02/03/1944 - 09/05/2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel “Sam” John Rizzo, at the age of 76 years, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2020, with his family by his side. Sam was born on February 3, 1944, in Marion, Ohio, to Ann and Tony Rizzo.
Sam attended St. Mary School in Marion, Ohio. His parents moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where Sam graduated from Rosecrans High School. After graduation, he attended Ohio University and earned a degree in communications. On January 10, 1975, he married Janice Tinnerello. They spent their life together for 45 years. They were a genuine couple and were always together. Sam wished for three things, to watch the OSU Buckeye football team win the National Championship, watch the Presidential election, and spend one more Christmas with his family.
Sam had a passion for landscaping and home improvement, which explains the cabinets full of tools too many to mention here, but all of which are neatly organized and put in their proper place. Sam was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and quiet ability to help those in need without the need for recognition. His son will miss the long hours of solving world problems over coffee and taking on projects that both said would take hours; and, in reality, took days.
Preceded in death by his parents Anthony Rizzo (2011); Ann Rizzo (2011); Father-in-Law Jasper Tinnerello (1972); Mother-in-Law Lena Tinnerello (2017); and his niece Milena DiMichaelangelo (2011).
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Janice Rizzo; son Dr. Anthony C. Rizzo (Gabriela); grandchildren, Dominic and Joseph; Brothers, Thomas J Rizzo; James Rizzo (Loula); Brother-in-Laws Robert Tinnerello (Susan); David Tinnerello; Sister-in-Law Annette DiMichaelangelo (Laury); Uncle Thomas Rizzo (Linda); and, numerous nieces and nephews.
The family expresses their appreciation to the stafff of Hospice of Central Ohio for their loving care and kindness
Memorial donations in memory of Samcan be made to the American Cancer Society in Ohio. www.cancer.org.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CALLING HOURS: Due to Covid 19, EVERYONE wishing to attend calling hours MUST call HILL FUNERAL HOME at 614-882-2121 and reserve one of the 30 minute time slots starting at 2 pm Sunday, September 13, 2020. NO EXCEPTIONS. Only thirty registered people will be permitted in the building at a time. This is necessary to protect the family, our staff and everyone wishing to attend. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Family will receive friends 2 to 4 PM Sunday, September 13, 2020 at HILL FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, September 14, 2020 at St Paul Catholic Church with interment following at Resurrection Cemetery. Service will be live streamed by St Paul Catholic Church.