Obituary of Michael J. Rizzo

Michael J. ("Chubby") Rizzo, Sr., 84, a 52-year resident of Darien, passed away May 30th, 2010 at Stamford Hospital. Born on September, 28th, 1925 in Stamford, Connecticut, he was predeceased by his cherished wife and companion Carmel Sabia Rizzo, his mother Rose and siblings Pat, Tommy and Rosemary. Mike leaves behind his devoted children, Arlene Hlavac and her husband Thomas, Michael Rizzo, Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Cynthia Brower and her husband Bill, Susan Rizzo and her partner Ron Cimineri and Lynn Blanchard and her husband Chris; his adored grandchildren Matthew Hlavac, Fred Rizzo and Carlie Rizzo, several cousins and countless, dear friends. Mike served as an 18-year-old rifleman during WWII with the 255th Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division in the European Theatre of Operations in France from December of 1943 to April of 1946. When away from the frontlines, Mike could be found in the mess hall performing the duties of a first cook; a skill he refined after his retirement from Caldor's Inc. by occasionally taking over the family kitchen and preparing tasty sauces and stews for all. An avid NY Yankees fan, Mike himself was an accomplished ball player in his younger years playing on the 63rd Division baseball team in Germany following the cessation of the war. At the Division track meet, his accomplishments earned him the prize of a week in Brussels, Belgium; a welcome relief to the young GI. In 1946, Mike played with the "Visitations" in the Independent League. This was followed by later joining the "Paragons" and attending the Washington Senators baseball camp in Orlando, Florida. He played third base and outfield with the "Stamford Bombers" of the Class "B" Colonial League. A part of Mike's love for sports and team camaraderie was influenced by the leadership and mentorship of Father Norman St. Martin, head of the Sacred Heart CYO, who assisted the "West Siders" in wining several state baseball championships. Mike's love of music ran deep with the Big Bands, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett counted among the idols that influenced his own love of singing; a talent that helped him to croon love songs to Carmel at their wedding in July of 1951. Occasional live programs performed from the studios of Stamford's old AM radio stations brought Mike's soothing tenor voice to living rooms city-wide. Mike was a member of Darien's Piedmont Club and the Stamford Old Timers' Athletic Association, which honored him in 1990 for his prominence in the field of sports. Mike's gentle, warm and unassuming ways touched the lives of all lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed by all and always remembered with love and affection. Calling hours will be held at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd., Darien, CT on Thursday June 3, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Johns RC Church, 1986 Post Rd., Darien, CT on Friday June 4, 2010 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Post 53-Ambulance, PO Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820