Richard Thomas "Dick" Rizzo

Richard Thomas “Dick” Rizzo, age 89, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025. Born in Windber, PA on August 31, 1935, he was one of eleven children born to the late Domenico and Verna (Cunsolo) Rizzo. Dick was a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as West Chester University where he earned his Master’s degree in education. He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, and was a member of the Navy band playing the trumpet and supporting the troops. Dick then made his career as a music teacher in Delaware schools for over 30 years. Dick was a strong supporter of the arts and enjoyed attending plays and musicals. He had a knack for gardening and everyone was amazed at his green thumb. Give him a sick plant and he brought it back to life in no time! Dick was a proud member of American Legion Canal Post 25, and a loyal patriot. Deep in his faith, he was a devoted Christian and served as a Steven’s minister for many years. Dick loved to cook and spent many hours making and sharing pizzelles, homemade bread, and cheese with his loved ones. Family and friends were very important to him, and he especially enjoyed family gatherings and keeping in touch. Dick will always be remembered as a compassionate and generous person who always had a kind word and a smile. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Maija (Dzirnis) Rizzo; and stepdaughter, Helene Dempsey. He is survived by his wife, Alice (Dempsey) Rizzo; children, Richard John Rizzo (Wendy) and Julie Rizzo; stepchildren, Brenda Harkins (Mike) and Donna Frunzi; siblings, Elizabeth Phillips, Raymond Rizzo, Eleanor Maffeo, Carol Papinchak, and Robert Rizzo (Martha); 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.

Richard Thomas "Dick" Rizzo

August 31, 1935 - January 17, 2025