Memorial

Joseph George Rizzio, age 79, lifetime resident of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, November 7, 2014 at ManorCare Health Services.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 11, 2014, Veterans Day, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories officiated by Tim Ferry.  Entombment with military honors will take place at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 AM Tuesday at the chapel before the service.

Joe was born February 14, 1935 in Cedar Rapids to George Joseph and Rosie (Pusateri) Rizzio.  After graduating from Wilson High School in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served honorably with the Amphibious Recon Unit (Semper Fi) until 1957.  On December 31, 1957, Joe was united in marriage to Patricia Alice “Pat” Cole in Marion.

Joe was employed by Cherry Burrell, later International Paper, as a machinist for over thirty years.  He loved serving the Lord Jesus Christ, fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his wife of almost fifty-eight years, Pat; four sons: Ricky (Tammy) of Chelsea; Steven Matthew (Joni) of Center Point; Bradley Dean (Lisa) of Marion; and Greggory Scott (Christine) of Moneta, Virginia; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers: David (Sandra) Rizzio of Troy Mills and Danny Rizzio of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Marilyn Rizzio and Delores Kopatsich.

Memorials in Joe’s name may be directed to the family.