Giovanni 'John' Rizzo

RIZZO, Giovanni (John), of Warren, Michigan passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Saturday, October 26, 2024. John dedicated his life to his family and was surrounded by his children, brother and sisters in the last moments of his life. John was born on November 1, 1933, in the town of Capaci in Sicily, Italy. As the fourth of eight children, John learned the importance of family and hard work from his parents, Gaetano and Anna Rizzo. As a young boy, he did anything he could to help his family including picking and selling olives. At the age of 17, John proudly served in the Italian Army for two years. He then left Italy in his mid-twenties for Mexico to further support his family as a salesman. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 28 where he met and married the love of his life, Jennie. A self-made man, John worked a variety of jobs – including in construction and as a degreed beautician – before joining Chrysler where he retired after 30 years of dedicated service. John was proud of becoming a U.S. citizen and took special joy in gardening, dancing, bowling, cooking, reading history, making wine, and canning tomatoes – a family tradition that will forever continue. John was a beloved husband of Jennie Rizzo, and they were together for over 50 years. He was also an extremely proud father of Anna Maria (Chris) Firestone, Phyllis (Matt) Boland, Guy (Amanda) Rizzo and Paul Rizzo. They will miss him dearly and treasure the life lessons that he instilled in each of them. John was an adored Nonno of Roman, Jenna, Dakota, Hunter, Mia, Michelle (Matt), Keri (deceased), and great grandchildren, Isaac and Ava; and they will each miss the heartfelt talks about life and family. John loved being involved in the lives of his grandchildren and was always proud of their accomplishments. John is survived in death by his dear sisters Carolina (Antonio) Troia, Rita (Joe) Vitale, Maria (Simone) Rizzo, Cosima (Ludovico) Cappellini, and brother Pietro (Maria) Rizzo; and is preceded in death by his brother Orazio (Anna) Rizzo and the late Anna 'Anita' (John) Enea. As well as all his loving nieces, nephews and rest of his family and friends. His legacy and love will remain in all of his family and friends’ hearts forever! Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-8pm (with a 7pm Rosary Service) at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. at 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate will be on Thursday at 10:30am with mass to follow at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic Church, 18720 13 East Thirteen Mile Rd, Roseville, Michigan 48066. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to a charity of your choice. Please share memories with the family at their "OnLine Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Giovanni 'John' Rizzo

November 1, 1933 - October 26, 2024