Philip Gilbert Rizzo

Philip G. Rizzo, 89, of St. Augustine, FL passed away on November 26, 2013. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and devout Catholic, Phil was truly of The Greatest Generation, born in San Jose, CA, and serving four years in the Army Air Force during World War II.

He utilized his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University to good advantage during his 32 year career in management at American Can Company. He loved his family, was an avid golfer, musician, and dog-lover. He enjoyed life, loved people, and those he met knew he had a genuine interest in them. One of the distinct honors in his life was being able to help President Ronald Reagan celebrate his 79th, 80th, and 81st birthdays. In 2012, he and Alene left his beloved California to live with his family in Florida, and became members of San Juan del Rio Catholic Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Alene M. Rizzo; children, Paul (Nancy) Rizzo of Portland, OR; Carol (John) Scherer of St. Augustine, FL; Thomas Rizzo of Houston, TX; Ricci (Tamara) Rizzo of Boston, MA; Rion (Yvonne) Rizzo of Atlanta, GA; Darren Rizzo of Newport Beach, CA; grandchildren,Justin (Amanda) Barney, Nathan (Kelly) Scherer, Christopher (Lacey) Rizzo, Dustin Rizzo, Lisa (Christopher) Stone, Brian Rizzo, Danielle Rizzo; great-grandchildren, Leah Scherer, Landon Barney, Levi Scherer, Savannah Barney, Mason Stone; as well as many extended family members, and hundreds of friends from coast to coast.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 on Friday, November 29th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00am on Saturday, November 30 in St. Joseph's Historical Catholic Church, 4214 Loretto Rd Jacksonville FL 32257. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made with the words: "In memory of Philip Rizzo, a man who loved dogs" to: S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue, Inc. P.O. Box 840215 St. Augustine, FL 32080. This rescue works with animal control agencies to prevent euthanizing adoptable pets by placing them into foster homes until permanent homes are found. We think S.A.F.E is the perfect place for Phil's love of dogs to endure through donations of his loved ones. For more information and a physical Wish List please visit: http://www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com/HowToHelp.html.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.