Monty Joseph Rizzo MD

It is with deep sorrow that the Rizzo family announces the passing of Monty J. Rizzo, MD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and physician. Monty passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on September 8, 1949, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Monty was the son of the late Joseph Rizzo and the late Carmela Glorioso Rizzo. From a young age, he was known for his boundless curiosity. One of his favorite questions –Why? – was often directed to his favorite uncle, who once made the mistake of ignoring Monty, only to be met with Monty’s command to “talk, talk!”

Monty graduated from Bolton High School and went on to study pre-med at Louisiana State University. His brother and sister liked to share how Monty was excused from using the meat slicer when working at the Rizzo family-owned grocery store because their father wanted to preserve his “surgeon’s hands.” He was accepted early into LSU Medical School in New Orleans after his junior year of college. There, he discovered his passion for Otolaryngology (ENT) and completed an ENT and head and neck surgery residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

In 1978, Monty and his beloved wife, Judy, settled in New Iberia, Louisiana, where he began a distinguished career in private practice. Together, they raised three daughters, Amanda, Elizabeth and Katherine.

Dr. Rizzo was admired by colleagues and beloved by patients for his medical expertise, compassion and a quick wit that made office visits feel personal and comforting. Over his nearly four decades in practice, his care touched the lives of thousands. Stories of his diagnostic brilliance and his humor are still shared among generations of patients.

Outside of medicine, Monty was an avid outdoorsman whose adventures took him from African safaris to hunting expeditions in South America. His home reflects these memories through the trophies and stories shared over meals he loved to prepare for family and friends. Monty was a talented cook and delighted in preparing meals, from those incorporating his wild game, to his famous seafood gumbo, to Sicilian recipes passed down from his grandmothers. An evening at the Rizzo house brought conversation that touched on current events and obscure facts he easily recounted as he held court. Friends, family and friends of his daughters relished in his encyclopedic knowledge and his smart, often mischievous, humor.

He and Judy also shared a love of travel, creating many memories, with a visit to Scotland and a tour of Italy being personal favorites. At home, he found peace in sketching, reading fiction and historical nonfiction, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Above all, Monty’s greatest joy was his family. A dad to daughters, he was both protective and playful, never ending a phone call before confirming you were safely inside. He lived selflessly for his family, offering unwavering love and support, and ensuring they were always cared for.

Monty will be remembered for his healing hands, generous spirit, sharp mind and enormous heart. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—both within his family and in the wider community he served with humility and grace.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Laque Rizzo; his daughters, Amanda Brooke Rizzo of New Orleans, Elizabeth Rizzo Lord (Jordan) of Austin, Texas, and Katherine Rizzo Dorn (Holbrook) of Houston, Texas; his beloved grandchildren, Carmela Lord, Audrey Lord, Josephine Dorn, Miles Dorn, and Brook Dorn; his sister, Toni Rizzo of Baton Rouge; and his brother, Joseph Paul Rizzo (Lisa) of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Carmela Rizzo.

In accordance with Monty’s wishes, private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Monty's name to Covenant House [https://www.covenanthouse.org/] and to Low Cost Animal Medical Center [https://www.lowcostanimal.org/], which is a non-profit co-founded by his daughter that provides high quality, low cost veterinary services to the metro New Orleans area.

The Rizzo family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Augustine, Bernadette Bell, Clara “Sunshine” Briggs, Jo Ann Clay, Lisa Lewis, Pamela Pradia and Kenneth McDaniel for the compassionate care and support shown to Monty and to all of us. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Relatives, friends, and former patients are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting his memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.