Mrs. Rose M. (Mele) Rizzo

FRANKFORT - Mrs. Rose M. (Mele) Rizzo, age 93, was reunited with her beloved husband Joseph when she passed away on Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving son and daughter-in-law at her side. Born in the town of Gallicchio in the province of Potenza, Italy on June 25, 1924, Rose was the daughter of the late Francesco and Vita Maria (Montesano) Mele. As a child, Rose and her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Utica where they were welcomed by friends. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1943. On September 27, 1947 she married Joseph R. Rizzo with whom she shared 54 years. Their heritage, religious beliefs, and common core values made for a wonderful marriage. Joe passed away on November 26, 2001, and she missed her husband to her very last day. Because she was born into the Greatest Generation, Rose was resilient, perseverant, and not afraid of hard work. She began as a secretary at Griffiss Air Force Base during World War II, and subsequently worked at the Sealtest Ice Cream Company, and the General Electric Company as a technician at the Broad Street plant. In 1971, Rose left the workforce to care for her son who became ill during his adolescence. She then attended the Utica School of Commerce and in 1972 was awarded an Associate Degree in Accounting which yielded her a position at the Monarch Chemical Company where she worked as a Bookkeeper until her retirement in the early 1980’s. Rose retired to her home, family, and travel time with her husband. Rose was blessed with a quiet strength and a uniquely gentle character. Young children could be calmed in her presence and the family pets would rest at her feet. She had infinite patience and wisdom which drew people to her. She was an elegant, conservative woman who concentrated on the meaningful things in life — the blessing of her son, Joseph, and her ‘precious’ grandson, Joseph Robert, who filled her heart with much joy. Her home was abundant with love and photos of her family. Rose was often at her best in the outdoors. She knew the land and cultivated a beautiful garden that produced vegetables and flowers. She was a great cook and could prepare a fabulous meal using just the simplest ingredients from her garden. Rose called St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish her home in later years. She held a special reverence for Jesus and her faith granted her incredible strength. She honored her faith in the Lord, loved her country, and held her family in her heart. Rose is survived by her son, Commander Joseph R. Rizzo, Jr./United States Navy (Ret.) and Patricia (Leach) Rizzo of New Hartford; and her grandchildren, Joseph Robert Rizzo, and Kaitlin Marie Rizzo. She also leaves her nieces, including Vita Farrell and Jackie Smith, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and the love and companionship of her daughter-in-law’s family including Anna Maria Leach (her best friend) and her children, Robert Leach, David Leach, Kathy Leach and Michael Cleveland, Rosemary and Mitchell Berkowitz, as well as Aunt Betty Convertino; and from these time-honored relationships arose a remarkable extended family. Rose also knew the camaraderie of her high school classmates when they gathered for monthly lunch dates. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Angeline and John I. Draper, Sr.; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Madeline Mele; her nephew, John I. Draper, Jr.; and her in-laws, Ann and Harry Lowenthal, Jennie Smith, Josephine and Albert Sorci, Michael J. and Donna Rizzo, Gerald and Maude Rizzo, and Mary and Joe Zawislak. The family is grateful for the professional, compassionate, and caring hearts of Dr. Jerry Sloan, the physicians at Central NY Cardiology, Dr. Jack Ziegler of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Ken Visalli, Dr. Najam un Din, Dr. John Pylman, Dr. Brian Chase, all of whom were outstanding; their compassion and medical expertise were unparalleled. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the 6th floor staff, the Progressive Care Unit staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, and the 2nd floor Rehabilitation Department personnel at the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center for the loving care rendered to Rose during her stay; and Fr. James Cesta for his friendship and blessings. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s memory may be made to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish or Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Rose’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery where Rose will be laid to rest beside her beloved, Joseph.

Mrs. Rose M. (Mele) Rizzo

June 25, 1924 - July 21, 2017