Cynthia Choi Rizzo

Cynthia(SinBon)Choi Rizzo, age 83, of Henrico County, Virginia passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in the loving presence of her children on Monday, July 11, 2022. She was born in Seoul, Korea in 1939 to her parents Jung Soon and Eun Song Choi and emigrated to America in 1963 when she was twenty-four years old. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of over fifty years, Joseph Patrick Rizzo. She is survived by her three children, Bruce Rizzo of Woodbridge, VA, Douglas Rizzo of Alexandria, VA, and Jennifer Rizzo Tangonan of Los Angeles, CA; her son-in-law, Terrell Tangonan; four grandchildren, Jacob Rizzo, Joseph Rizzo, Lauren Rizzo and Joaquin Tangonan; five sisters, Sinbok Lee, Sinok Elrod, Pokshil Lundh, Sinja Kim, Shingil Yun and one brother, Tae Ho Choi, numerous nieces and nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Cynthia was an artist whose creativity and ‘golden touch’ was far-reaching into every aspect of her life. She developed a passion for cooking and became the supreme chef in the family. She learned traditional Italian recipes from her father-in- law Francesco Rizzo of Brooklyn, NY after arriving in America with her husband. She had the innate ability to replicate anything she tasted and tirelessly learned new dishes which she made with care for her immediate and extended family. Her delicious meals brought people together, especially during the holidays, which were a special multicultural experience with traditional Korean, Italian and American cuisine on the dinner table. Her career as a hairstylist began in Carytown in 1975 where she coiffed notable ladies of Richmond and beyond. She had a true love of hard work, achievement, and of transforming people into the best version of themselves. Cynthia grew up as a shy, quiet girl but evolved into a strong, outspoken and independent woman who wouldn’t hesitate to let a stranger know which hairstyle they should try. She valued the friendships she made with clients and co-workers over the span of her forty-year career.

Cynthia was also a lover of fashion. As a young woman in the 1960’s, she wore the most stylish clothing of the day and found inspiration within the pages of Vogue magazine. She became an expert seamstress, skills she inherited from her tailor father, sewing her young children’s clothing, halloween costumes and home decor. She never left the house without looking her best which continued into her 80’s.

She was an avid gardener and loved to rescue orchids. Cynthia always had many varieties of vegetables, American and Korean, flourishing in her backyard garden to the excitement of her children. She always knew how to nurture and revive the most lifeless looking plants, her family truly believed she had magical hands.

Cynthia found the most peace and relaxation at the beach. Annual trips with her family to Myrtle Beach, SC were the highlight of her year. She’d soak up the sun and play with her children and grandchildren in the waves during the day and cook seafood feasts for her family at night. She was fun-loving and enjoyed laughing and spending quality time with her family. She will be deeply missed but will forever live on in the hearts and memories of her siblings, children, grandchildren, and all that loved and appreciated her.

The Rizzo family will receive family and friends for visitation at Woody Funeral Home - Parham Chapel on Friday, July 22 from 6:00-7:30 pm and Saturday, July 23 from 9:00-10:30 am. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:30am on Saturday with interment at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Reception will be private. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Rizzo family.