Obituary: William Anthony Rizzo, 85, of Belford

William Anthony Rizzo (Bill), age 85, of Belford, New Jersey, passed away on October 1, 2013. Bill was born in Jersey City, NJ on August 4, 1928. 

Bill retired from Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ, and prior to that he worked for Lilly Tulip for over 20 years. Bill was a communicant of St. Mary’s Parish and assisted with the annual fairs and any assignment Father Bulman gave him.

He was actively involved in the VFW Post 2179, Port Monmouth, NJ. He was the Post Commander of VFW 2179 during 1976-77; All-State Team 1976-77 Post Commanders; National Aide-De-Camp 1977; Post Sr. Vice Commander 1975-76; and Post Jr. Vice Commander 1974-75. He received numerous awards for his community service.

Bill served his country in the US Military, specifically the branch of the US Army during the Korean War. He served under General Ridgeway and General Clark at the US Embassy in Shibuya, Japan as the greeter to dignitaries and guests of the Embassy; it was here that his talent for cooking flourished. His continued culinary perfection led him to develop delicious entrees but Bill will always be remembered for his cheesecake. He was an avid gardener, dancer, and swimmer.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy Nelson Rizzo, a son, Bill Rizzo, daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and Donald Watson, and daughter, Dorothy Jimmerson; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Silvio and Clementina (D'Aiuto) Rizzo, several siblings, and son-in-law Larry Jimmerson. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The Barn for the Poorest of the Poor.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Rd., Middletown. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Chapel, 26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Funeral arrangements are being handled by John F. Pfleger Funeral Home. For more information, directions, or to send condolences please visit www.pflegerfh.com.