Joseph Francis “Frank” Rizzo age 77, passed away on September 21, 2026. He was born in Forest Park, Illinois to parents Theresa B. Dittrich and Joseph Rizzo. He graduated from St. Rose of Lima High School, Detroit, Michigan. After High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In April 1968, he was deployed to Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, assigned to the 31st Security Police Squadron. He met his love of 55 years Susan M. Schmidt while stationed in Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. They enjoyed their time living and traveling throughout the United States as well as overseas. Especially enjoying their Friday Pasta Nights with friends and family. He served his country with honor for 25 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
Frank’s military decorations include among many, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2/Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3/Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V-Device and 3/Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 3/Campaign Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Frank was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Security Police Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, USAF Security Forces Association, Air Force Sergeants Association and The Retired Enlisted Association.
After retiring from the Air Force, he began a new career field which led him to be a Youth Shelter Supervisor at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in San Antonio, Texas for 4 years. He retired a second time after 20 years at the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Frank and Susan were parishioners of St. George Maronite Catholic Church, San Antonio, Texas, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society, Church Choir, lifetime member of the National Apostolate of Maronites as well as the Order of St. Sharbel. In 2016, he and Susan were awarded the Silver Massabki Award.
Frank was preceded in death by his Mother, Theresa B. Rizzo and Wife, Susan M. Rizzo. He is survived by his only child, Theresa (Stephen).
A visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary - West, 1710 West Loop 1604 North, San Antonio, TX 78251, on October 18, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will take place at St George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240, on October 19, 2026, at 11:00 am. A funeral procession will follow for the Committal Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, at 1:15 pm.
