Rizzo, Louis A.

ALBANY- Louis A. Rizzo, age 93, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday June 8, 2011, at his home of 53 years with his loving family at his side. Husband of Marian H. (Manupella) Rizzo for 57 years, father of Marianna Rizzo of Crofton, MD; Louis V. Rizzo and his companion Betsy Ruslander; Susan and Helen Rizzo; all of Albany, NY; grandfather of Robert C. Kipper, Jr. of East Berne, NY; Sally Ann (Kipper) and her husband, Christopher O'Connor; and great grandfather of Christopher O'Connor, Jr. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ralph Tine of Newington, CT and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cesaro and Assunta (Muccio) Rizzo; his brother, Julian (Mary) Rizzo, Albany, NY, and his sisters, Lucille (Salvatore) Uccello and Viola Tine both of CT; Mary Griffin and Dora Rizzo both of Albany.

Lou fought in World War II from 1941 to 1945 and was stationed in Africa and Italy with the Army’s 12th Infantry, 4th Division. Due to his excellent leadership qualities, he was promoted to the highest enlisted rank, a Master Sergeant.

The 50's were a decade of commitments for Lou. In 1952, he took over ownership and became President of Charles Springer Welding Works and in 1954, after a proposal including his dedication to his mother, married Marian Manupella and had four children during the next 4 years.

Lou and his wife Marian were care-givers for his mother, Assunta; an immigrant from Italy who also passed away at their home. Lou was well respected, feared by some and was the life of every party. He worked hard and played hard. Lou bowled a 298, got a hole in one, twice after the age of 80, played darts and bocce ball. He was a lifetime member since 1938 of the Albany Elks No. 49. He was a member of the Bucci McTague Post No. 1530, West Albany Italian Benevolent Society, Wigwams, International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 106 as well as Plumbers and Steamfitters - Local 7. Also, he remained Owner of Springer's until his retirement in 1979. Lou will be remembered and dearly missed.

A Catholic Mass will be offered in celebration of his life on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 9:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Parish (formerly St. James Church) 391 Delaware Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. on Friday June 10, 2011 from 4 to 7 pm. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.

If desired, donations in memory of Louis A. Rizzo may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 391 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209 or to the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, 505-4th Avenue, North Troy, NY 12180.