Gerald Rizzo

Gerald F. Rizzo, 71, of Mansfield died on Monday, July 2, 2012. Born January 29, 1941, in Mansfield, Ohio, Gerald attended St. Peter’s Catholic schools and graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1960. He attended Bowling Green State University and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Gerald served as a Reserve in the United States Marine Corps. He retired from AK Steel after more than 33 years at the Mansfield Plant. Gerald was a member of St. Peter’s Parish.

He married his wife, Barbara, on September 19, 1969. Gerald was named the grand prize winner of a contest held by the “I Dream of Jeannie” television program allowing them to travel around the world for three months on their honeymoon. During the trip, they appeared on “Let’s Make a Deal” but were zonked. Upon their return, they enjoyed 43 years together and successfully raised four children. Gerald served as the Cub Master of Pack 121 and volunteered many hours at Walnut Hills Swim Club. He will be remembered fondly for the countless hours spent chauffeuring the four children to various school, sporting, and scouting events. He was dedicated to serving his family, providing for their needs, and ensuring each had opportunities through education. He later enjoyed hearing from and watching his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Joseph and Geraldine Rizzo of Mansfield, and older brother Joseph Rizzo, Jr. of Middletown, New Jersey.

Gerald is survived by his wife Barbara Rizzo of Mansfield; three sons and a daughter, Stephen (Sarah) Rizzo of Mansfield, Bryan Rizzo of Mansfield, Tanya Rizzo (Aaron Koenderman) of Bellevue, Washington, and Jason (Kara) Rizzo of Galena; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Julia, Sydney, and Meredith Rizzo of Mansfield, Reed and Cameron Koenderman of Bellevue, Washington, Kate and Benjamin Rizzo of Galena; brother-in-law, Michael Santoro of Mansfield, and sisters-in-law, Sharon Santoro of Mansfield and Margaret Rizzo of Middletown New Jersey; two nephews, George Rizzo of Little Silver, New Jersey, and Michael Santoro of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three nieces, Lynette (Randy) Santoro-Au of Columbus, Lisa (Mark) Pfizenmayer of Lexington, Laura (Keith) Schubert of Fredericksburg, Virginia; two aunts, Marie Wappner of Mansfield and Jeanne Halsey of Butler; and cousins, Jim (Pat) Taylor of New Concord, Jack (Sue) Taylor of Cambridge, Jeff (Linda) Halsey of Powell, and Kevin Wappner (Kim Messersmith) of Mansfield; extended cousins, Jim Hill of Alexandria, Virginia, Terry Shea of North Charleston, South Carolina, Mike (Amy) Halsey of Powell, and Heather Halsey of Powell; and other relatives.

Friends and family may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Friday, July 6, from 4-7 p.m. A prayer service will be held Friday at 6:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Saturday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Gregory Hite officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. At the conclusion of services, all are invited to the Franciscan Activity Center at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Walnut Hills Pool in Mansfield, Cub Scout Pack 121 chartered by St. Peter’s Catholic Church, or the Monsignor Edward C. Dunn Foundation for Education.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Ohio Cancer Specialists and Hospice of North Central Ohio.