Obituary of James T. Rizzo

Mr. James T. Rizzo, local garage mechanic and World War II Veteran, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Nathan Littauer Hospital. He had been a resident of the Getman Memorial Home for over a year. He was born February 27, 1921 in Gloversville, the son of the late Rufus and Manovera Rizzo. During the depression Mr. Rizzo began working for the National Youth Administration. He then went to Barker Central School in Barker, NY where he later graduated. Jim served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant during World War II in the African Theater and in Italy. Following the war, Mr. Rizzo returned to Gloversville and married Irene Salvatore on April 19, 1947. He worked as a mechanic at the former Kentris Chevrolet in Johnstown for 35 years and also for the Gloversville Housing Authority for about 15 years until he retired in 1990. Jim was very handy at repairing just about anything. Mr. Rizzo was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Gloversville, and a former member of the Johnstown Moose Lodge. Survivors include two sons: Ronald R. Rizzo Lucy Buhrmaster of Gloversville and James G. Rizzo Dolores of Perth; a sister, Carmella Sanges of Gloversville; two granddaughters: Janelle Rizzo and Deanna Rizzo; two nephews, several cousins, and his beloved cat Abe. He was predeceased by his wife Irene on July 7, 1984. His brother Gabriel Rizzo and a niece also predeceased him. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 13th at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a Prayer Service will follow at 6:15 p.m. with the Rev. Kenneth Swain officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Getman Memorial Home, 15 East State St; Gloversville, NY 12078.