Obituary of Peter Rizzo

After extended illness, Peter died under compassionate care and peace at Catskill Regional Medical Center-Critical Care Unit, Harris, NY. His beloved service dog, Obi-Wan, was beside, as was his wife, Colleen, and Peter's children, family members and numerous friends. Peter was born on Carroll Street in Brooklyn, NY, son of Peter and Mary (Lizzio) Rizzo. Though lifelong limited by a congenital heart condition, Peter overcame physical adversity and worked in his able-bodied family's salvage business in Willets Point, Queens. Peter attended the Fashion Institute (FIT) in Manhattan at night, and became a textile coordinator in Manhattan. Peter then used his design interest to procure and remodel and 1932 92-foot Mathis-Trumpey yacht and he became a US Coast Guard Captain with charters in Ft. Lauderdale for ten years. He utilized design and mechanical expertise in retro-fitting Mercedes-Benz buses at the NYC airports. Peter was a Man's Man, who dreamt big and worked thoughtfully to reach his dreams. He loved his local home and land. His generosity and fun-loving spirit (an original Woodstock attendee) will forever be missed. Peter is survived by his two children, Matthew and Victoria Rizzo, of Long Island. In addition to his spouse, he leaves behind stepson Ista D. Clarke of Charleston, SC, and many, many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. Peter was an eclectic music aficionado, an accomplished chef, gardener, flute player, painter, dog whisperer and hardscape land designer. Both a January and June 2018 gathering to honor and celebrate Peter's life will be announced. In lieu of floral decorations, a donation to "The Shelter Connection" of North Hempstead Animal Shelter, 75 Marino Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050, would be treasured.