Mr. Joseph M. Rizzo

Mr. Joseph M. Rizzo, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2010 at the St. Luke’s Home. Born in Utica on June 8, 1916, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Abbate) Rizzo. A graduate of Utica Free Acadmy, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Utica College and went on to earn a Masters degree in Education from St. Lawrence, and a Masters in Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. A member of the Greatest Generation, Joseph was a proud veteran of the United States Army Air Force serving his country during World War II in the Signal Corps. A chemistry teacher at Utica Free Academy from 1958-1977, Joseph was a catalyst for students’ success. He was remembered for his insight of students’ abilities, his academic skills in the classroom, and his legendary techniques of teaching the youth he encountered during his 20 year career. He was also a musician, playing his clarinet and saxophone in area combo groups, and in more recent years, in the privacy of his home. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association of Utica. Joseph is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sylvia and Richard Borofski, II of PA; his son, Michael Rizzo of Utica; his grandchildren, Richard Borofski, III, and Megan and Adam Greenawalt; and his great-grandchildren, Adele and Nora. Survivors also include several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Netta Aiello. The past many years have been enhanced and shared with his loving companion, Pauline Kelley and her daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Dan Rehkugier and their children, all of whom he considered extended family. Joseph was predeceased by his former wife and the mother of his children, the former Palma Zizzi; his brothers and sister-in-law, James and Lucy Rizzo, and Jerry Rizzo; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane and Alphonse “Hutch” Aiello, and Ann and Angelo LaRosa. The family wishes to thank Joseph’s wonderful landlady and her husband, Patricia (Vidoni) Biernat and John Biernat; his dedicated physician Dr. Christopher Clark, and Joseph’s special caregiver, Jackie Jenkins, who was “his ray of sunshine”. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 8:30-9:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Joseph’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Committal prayers and Military Honors will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with entombment to follow in the family's private mausoluem.

Mr. Joseph M. Rizzo

June 8, 1916 - December 6, 2010