Giuseppe Rizzo

ALBANY – Giuseppe Rizzo, 87, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 8, 2022, at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was born in Gimigliano Calabria, Italy and was the son of the late Antonio and Maria Rosa (Cubello) Rizzo. Giuseppe was a laborer with Local 190 in Albany for several years. Giuseppe immigrated to the United States from Italy along with his wife and three sons in 1972.  While in Italy, Giuseppe was a talented mason and built his house with his own hands. He was a strong, hardworking man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his fruit trees and gardens.  He made his own wine for many years sharing his passion with his family and friends.  Alongside his wife, they would make hundreds of bottles of pasta sauce and enjoyed making homemade soppressata, pepperoni and sausage. For many years, the extended family would enjoy picnics at Thatcher Park, arriving early to pick the perfect spot to gather.  The bottles of wine would be placed on the picnic tables and big pots of water set on the grills to boil to prepare the pasta. Years later, he told stories of all the good times spent together with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Gioconda Mussari Rizzo; his sons, Mario (Lynne) Rizzo, Luciano Rizzo and Antonio (Candice) Rizzo; his siblings, Dominico (Maria) Rizzo, Antonio (Marisa) Rizzo and Maria (Filippo) Paonessa. Giuseppe is the cherished Nonno to Stacy (Adam), Joy (Nick), Michael (Sara), Lucianna (Nick), Francesca, Olivia, Faith-Olivia, Antonio, Giavanna, Halo and James. He is the bisnonno of Gavin, Leland and Leisel. Giuseppe enjoyed giving each of his grandchildren $5 each time they would visit and was known to hand out an extra $5 to friends of his grandchildren because everyone was considered family at his house. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and dear family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Giuseppe’s family on Wednesday, July 13, from 4 to 7 PM at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 9:00 AM. Entombment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to your local Humane Society.