Donna R. Rizzo-Szarwak

Donna Rizzo-Szarwak, 85, of Newington, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 26, 2026. Donna was born in Hartford on April 1, 1941, and was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Rose (Ferro) Rizzo. She graduated from Bulkeley High School in Hartford and went on to establish her own dance studio, Donna Rizzo School of Dance, in Hartford. She lived in Hartford’s south-end and later moved to Newington to raise her family.

Prior to her retirement, Donna worked for Aetna in the Management Information Systems Department for 35 years. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering her time and participating in numerous organizations. Donna was a passionate volunteer with Interval House of Hartford, where she advocated for survivors of domestic violence, equal rights and diversity. She was also tirelessly involved in politics, supporting and fighting for the causes in which she believed.

Donna volunteered at Jefferson House in Newington and dedicated time to reading to the blind. She was also a member of the Cedar Mountain Garden Club and the Newington Jaycees. Through her many volunteer activities and community connections, Donna formed lasting friendships and cherished bonds with children who lovingly called her “Grandma.”

Donna delighted in spoiling the children in her family and was a fantastic cook who took great pride in hosting Italian-style dinners where family and friends could gather, especially during the holidays. Above all, she cherished her family and was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend.

Donna is survived by her two loving daughters, Lisa McGuiness and her husband, Barry of Colorado, formerly of Cromwell, and Wendy Holness and her husband, Michael of Newington. She also leaves behind her three cherished grandchildren: Kim, her wife, Kate and their two children, Beckett and Harlow; Michael and his daughter, Maddie; and Mikayla and her daughter, Nova.

She is also survived by her brother, Nicholas Rizzo of Enfield; her sister, Catherine Carroll of Florida; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Donna was always surrounded by love and held every relationship close to her heart.

The family would like to extend deep gratitude and appreciation to all the Doctors, Nurses, Providers and staff members on the 9th floor Neurological Step-down Unit at Hartford Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. All are asked to meet directly at the church on Friday morning. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to Interval House of Hartford, P.O. Box 340207, Hartford, CT 06134-0207. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, has been entrusted with the arrangements.