Joseph Rizzo

Joseph "Joe Pep" B. Rizzo Sr., age 76, of North East, died on Thursday March 3, 2022 at his residence.  He was born on August 17, 1945 in Erie, PA the son of the late Joseph J. "Handsome" and Beatrice "Bena" (Sanfratello) Rizzo.  Joe was formerly employed by Van Air System's in Lake City as a shipping specialist for several years.  He also formerly owned and operated Rizzo's on the Park Restaurant located in North East.  Joe was a member of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Church where he was active in the the Cursillo Movement.  He formerly coached Little Gridders Football, Little League Baseball, and St. Gregory's Grade School Football.  Joe was an avid bowler, golfer, and loved softball where he formerly played on the Beardsley Construction softball team.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jeffery G. Rizzo; sister, Joan (June) Marie Triana; brother-in-law, Ed Williamson; and nephew, Mathew Lewis Jones.  Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years Cathy (Paparella) Rizzo whom he married July 9, 1966; children, Lori Helfrick (John), Joseph Rizzo, and Steven Rizzo (Jesi) all of North East; a sister, Janice Williamson of North East; grandchildren, Leea, Joseph, Randi, Tyler, Caite, Kyle, Mackenzie, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Roslyn, Maryn, Brody, Addie, and Jessie; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Sunday 2:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Church, 50 South Pearl Street, North East.  Interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Gregory School, 136 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428.  Please send condolence to elkinfh.com.

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