Dominic J. Rizzo

Dominic J. Rizzo, 94, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband for 63 years of “the love of his life,” the late Rosalie (Rita) Rizzo, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Born in Hartford on August 2, 1923, he was the son of the late Andrew and Eufemia (Sarli) Rizzo. Dominic was a graduate of Bulkeley High School. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 486th Armored Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 3rd Armored “Spearhead” Division and fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge. He worked for 26 years as a purchasing agent for the State of CT. Dominic was chairman for 40 years of his Army unit reunions. He was a past President and member of the St. Augustine choir for 20 years. He loved to cook and was known for his Easter ricotta and sausage pies. He will always be remembered as a kind and loving person who always had a smile and joke to tell or song to sing. A wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dominic will be forever missed by his two devoted daughters, Jo-Ann Dudis and husband Peter and Carol Rizzo, all of Rocky Hill; three adored grandsons, Michael and David Dudis and Douglas Bartkoski and fiancée Kristine and two cherished great-granddaughters, Ellie and Emma. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Angie Kluntz of Florida and Marylou Roe of Arizona, as well as several nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters. Special thanks to Dominic’s caregivers who made it possible for him to stay at home, Yadwiga Smolen, who became part of the family also Mira Revedzhuk and Alina Detushev.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (March 12) at 11 a.m. at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish at St. James Church, 767 Elm St., Rocky Hill. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Military honors will take place outside the church at the conclusion of the Mass. Burial will be private at a later date. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dominic’s memory may be made to Immacare Inc. (formerly Immaculate Conception Shelter) to help feed the homeless, P.O. Box 260669, Hartford, CT 06126-0669. To share a memory of Dominic with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.