Joseph J Rizzuto

RIZZUTO, Joseph J.
Of Kalamazoo Joe died Sunday morning, September 7, 2008 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born February 1, 1944 in Grand Rapids, one of four children to the late Carl and Mary Russo Rizzuto. Joe was a veteran of the United States Navy serving on the U.S.S. Claude Jones during the Cuban Blockade in the late 1960's. He was employed as a building supervisor for Local Union #721 in Brockton, MA until his retirement. On June 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Jean Machado, who survives. Also surviving are their 4 children, Christopher Lori Rizzuto, Gina Rizzuto, and Bethany Rizzuto all of Mass., and Roxie Fletcher of Battle Creek; 6 grandchildren, Derek, Christian, Ksea, Gabriella, Stephanie, and Amanda; 3 great-grandchildren, Gianna, Addrianna, and Kamryn; 2 sisters, Rosemary Bill Calhoun of Battle Creek, and Nina Greg Burleigh of Marcellus; 1 brother, Carl Renee Rizzuto of Parchment; special friends, Ed and Sandy Cowels and Jim and Bonnie Parker all of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Bachee. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake Street, with Msgr. Michael Hazard, celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Thursday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left at www.langelands.com .