Eulogy for Sir Knight Joseph P. Rizzo Sr.

9/5/1925-3/25/2008

We are gathered here today to pay tribute to Joseph P.

Rizzo Sr. Husband, Father and Friend to many. My

Father's world revolved around three very important

areas: Family- Friends and Faith.

1st Family

A loving husband to Madeline and together they

raised (6) children. Growing up with my father wasn't

always easy. He had high expectations of us and

challenged us but he was there to support and encourage

us. He was always there for his family. Those who knew

my dad well, knew he had numerous health issues from an

early age. That was a sign and a gift to us. To begin

treasuring our special moments with him, for we feared

we would lose him early. Surprisingly, my Mom passed away

suddenly. My dads spirit was very low for many years

until he met and married Irene. Then the smiling,

playful energetic dad we knew, came back to life with

his new wife. Add (11) grandchildren and he truly was in

his element. He was a product of a large family and he

was very proud of his own large family. To him, Family

was everything. He thought that - He lived that.

2nd Friends

Dad made friends everywhere he went. He didn't

have to try and make friends, it was as if people knew he

would be a good friend an he was- because his friends

were really his "extended family". Imagine the number

of people he met and befriended as a volunteer fireman,

Veteran of Foreign War, Knights of Columbus, numerous

choirs and minstrels (oh how he loved to sing) plus 30+

years at Scott Paper. All that and he still found time

to get involved with Politics. To make things better.

Serving as a Committeeman and Commissioner in this

township was very rewarding to him and he cherished those

years of service.

Last but not least- His Faith

This was a very religious man and much of what he

was and how he acted came from his deep religious

beliefs. He was pretty old fashioned in his thinking but

took advantage of the newer Church policies and became

an Eucharistic Minister- Again serving others. his faith

sustained him thru the passing of Madeline, his many

illnesses and the passing of all his siblings- he is the

last of his family to pass. So now as his condition

worsened, he knew his time was drawing close. We could

see his inner struggle- trying to deal with that

reality. His very precocious granddaughter, Madeline, saw

the struggle too. So as he looked at her, at the foot

of the bed-she said, "Pop, Don't be afraid. When Jesus

calls you, you gotta go." How true that is and Madeline

helped Pop see that. But as we all are mortals, we have

that trepidation around, that final transition. Dad had

it but I saw some other hesitation too. He would hold on

till he could say goodbye-in his way- a smile, a nod or

a grasp of your hand, to every family member, special

friend or his caregivers, that showered him with loving

care.

Once he completed that task (and if you knew my

dad he was very task driven) he passed into the Light,

to reunite with so many family loved ones and friends.

And Jesus welcomed him with Open Arms!

So this may be a sad moment, for we all wanted

Dad to by our sides for as long as possible but rejoice

and celebrate too, for his love for us is timeless and

he watches over us from above.

Thank you for coming and God Bless

This Eulogy is dedicated to my loving sisters and

brothers who made my Dad's last years, one of Hope and

Love.

Love Always,

Joseph P. Rizzo Jr.