Carl Rizzo

The patriarch of our family, Carl Rizzo, 85 years young, peacefully passed on January 3rd from Alzheimer's.   He lived a long and adventurous life, from his childhood years on Woodland Avenue, to working on Short Vincent, to running a home improvement business.  In his prime he could be found every Saturday in the Thistledown Clubhouse indulging in his love for horse racing or playing  poker and gin rummy.  He was the man you went to for advice or to seek help with a problem.  He was the son of the late Antoinette Latona and Carl Amata.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.  He leaves behind his wife, Mary (Beth) and their son, John (Carlo) and daughter, Nicole.  His loving children with first wife, the late Maria Benitez:  Maria Long (Chris), Robin Prevesk, and Rick Rizzo.  He was a devoted Pop Pop to Samantha and Kevin Long, Emilia and Dominick Prevesk, Marissa, Derrick and Jenna Rizzo.  Dear brother to JoAnn DiFiori (Dan) and the following deceased siblings: Marie Valentino (Tom),  Genevieve Marino (Pete), and Nicholas Latona (Chris) and many nieces and nephews.  Our hearts are broken and he will be forever missed.  The family gives heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at the Hospice of the Western Reserve's David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid for their compassionate care during his final weeks. Private family services have been held.  Condolences may be sent to his family.

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