Ralph Anthony Rizzo

Ralph Anthony Rizzo, 82, died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family after spending a beautiful Christmas together on December 25, 2024.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Anthony and Mary Rizzo, nee Katovich, he attended the Boston Latin School before receiving his Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and his Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from Brooklyn Poly. Ralph began his career with American Cyanamid where he worked alongside Mr. John Zaniewski, who introduced him to his daughter, Elaine, while bowling at the former Strike and Spare in Greenbrook. Elaine, who worked in administration at Cyanamid, began spending more time with Ralph on their lunch breaks and began dating. They married in 1968 and settled in Somerville where they raised their son. Ralph worked for Cyanamid through many company turn overs, spanning almost forty years retiring from Pfizer in 2004.

In their free time Ralph and Elaine loved to travel. Ralph and Elaine explored the majority of the United States including extensive trips to California, Alaska, Canada and the Rocky Mountains. Ralph traveled internationally for business but valued creating memories with his family the most. He had a brilliant mind to accompany his lust for knowledge and spent his free time learning but above all, Ralph was a teacher. He taught his entire family how to be loving and caring individuals and that love was not a word but rather an action. Ralph was a man of faith and a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville for over 50 years. Ralph was deeply loved by his family and a blessing to all who knew him. Ralph’s passing leaves a substantial void in the lives of all of us who called him Husband, Dad, Grandpa or friend.

He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Christine Rizzo.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Elaine Zaniewski Rizzo, his loving son, Mark Rizzo and wife Lorie Piskorowski Rizzo, his adored grandchildren Johnathan and Monica, as well as his community friends and colleagues.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Interment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Somerville Rescue Squad, 21 Park Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876.  Click Here  to donate online