Richard "Rich" Anthony Pizzo

Richard Anthony Pizzo, “Rich”, 77, died on February 8, 2021 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 7, 1943 in Chicago, IL. He was the only son of the late Vincent Paul Pizzo and Ruth Katherine (Becker) Pizzo of Chicago. He grew up in the neighborhood of Mt. Greenwood on the south side of Chicago.

Rich was the loving and caring husband of the late Geraldine “Gerry” Francis (Brown) Pizzo; fond and loving father of Anthony “Tony” Vincent Pizzo (Ashley) and Thomas Richard Pizzo (Marty); and fond and loving grandfather to Elizabeth Pizzo, John Pizzo, Daniel Pizzo, Jenks Pizzo and Vivian Pizzo.

Rich was devoted to his wife Gerry for 49 years of marriage. Being an only child, he was overwhelmed when he married into Gerry’s large Irish family and was welcomed and loved by them. Proud of his two boys and their families and a loving “Papa” to his five grandchildren, he lived to see them and be with them any chance he had, whether it be babysitting, sports events, recitals or just to drop by.

Rich attended grammar school at Mt. Greenwood Elementary, high school at Morgan Park High School, and college at Northern Illinois University where he graduated in 1965. He went to work at CecoSteel, in Cicero Chicago after graduation.

He married Gerry in April of 1967, was drafted into the U.S. Army in April of 1968, and served until January of 1972. Rich trained at Ft. Polk, LA; Fort Dix, NJ; Ft. Hamilton, NY (Brooklyn); and Ft. Benning, GA. He was stationed in Korea at Ft. Casey and reached the rank of E-5.

Upon returning home from Korea he was accepted to the Northern Illinois University Graduate School of Business and was a graduate assistant, teaching freshman in the School of Business Management. His immediate supervisor was the distinguished Dr. Peter T. Swanish, visiting professor form DePaul University in Chicago. Rich was his research assistant and complimented Dr. Swanish’s research. Rich also attended the University of Chicago as a visiting graduate assistant from Northern Illinois University.

After graduate school Rich joined PCA International out of Matthews, NC, working first in Chicago as market manager and regional manager for five years (1971-76). He moved to Charlotte with his wife Gerry and his two boys, Tony and Tom (4 and 5 years respectively at the time) to be closer to the corporate office.

In 1981 Rich left PCA as assistant of operations development. During his years at PCA Corporate he had several accomplishments, including establishing a formal video training program for all sales personnel and photographers, management assistant programs, as well as training and implementation of new products through the company.

He opened his own safety products company, IPESCO, and ran it successfully for 11 years. He worked at Lake Norman Realty and Century 21 Hecht Realty for 18 years; worked for Harris Teeter for six years; and the ICCS for the project manager at the Charlotte Transit Center.

Rich was devoted to his faith was an active member of St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte and St. Therese Parish in Mooresville for over 45 years and served in many capacities, including the St. Gabriel’s Home School Association as co-president with his wife Gerry, teaching childhood education, and as a member of the Men’s Club.

He coached both his boys’ baseball teams, timed at their swim meets, led their Indian guide tribe, took them fishing and to the beach every year from a young age and loved their mother, taking care of her every day for the last 15 years of her life.

Rich was known for his quick smile and kindness to everyone he met. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to anyone who would listen. He was quick to lend help and support for those in need. He enjoyed good food and cooking, and over time he perfected his famous spaghetti sauce and fettuccini alfredo, a favorite of his grandkids.

Over the past few years Parkinson’s began to take its toll on him, and we are forever grateful for the caregiving, love, and support he received from friends and family, but specifically a heartfelt thank you to Thomasina Grier, who was his friend and kept him comfortable and in line, until the very end.

Additional thanks to his St. Gabriel’s bereavement group; Rich DiFranco for his friendship and support; the Windsor Run Community; the Home Instead caregiving team; and the doctors and nurses at Novant Presbyterian Hospital, especially the nursing team at Station 6 for their compassion and support.

Rich’s life will be celebrated with The Mass of Christian Burial in Charlotte, with only immediate family in attendance due to Covid restrictions.

No flowers please. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, or Loaves & Fishes, 648 Griffith Road Ste. B, Charlotte, NC 28217.