Obituary of Mary Ann Rizzo

Mary Ann Rizzo, 76, of Rome, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 6, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 19, 1941, in Rome, NY, the daughter of the late Albert and Caroline Izzo. Mary Ann graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1959. In high school, she served as Treasurer, Vice President of the Gym Leaders Club and Student Association, Drama Club Secretary and member of the De-O-Wain-Sta editorial staff. She was very active in sports, participating in volleyball, tennis, softball and basketball, in addition to being a cheerleader and band member. In 1961, she graduated from Alfred Technical Institute with an Associates' degree in Phlebotomy. As a working mother of four, she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management in 1985. Mary Ann worked as a Laboratory Technician, Supervisor and Manager at Rome Memorial Hospital in a professional career spanning 35 years, retiring in 2006. She had a strong work ethic, and was known for her pleasant and caring demeanor. During her retirement years, Mary Ann enjoyed spending time with her family, relatives and many friends. She was involved in many volunteer organizations including the Rome Twig and Zonta Club, and was a consistent blood donor to the American Red Cross. In 2018, she was recognized by State Senator Joe Griffo for her many years of volunteer service and generosity at the Ava Dorfman Senior Center in Rome. Mary Ann was a very devoted mother and grandmother. She loved caring for others, comforting family and friends, and opening up her home to them. She took pleasure in flowers, birds, and nature. She also enjoyed playing cards, working on puzzles, word games, and watching her Yankees. She is survived by her four children, David and his wife Sofia Rizzo, Saratoga Springs, NY, Donna Rizzo Aiello, Rome, Joseph Rizzo and Andrea Sanguine, El Cerrito, CA, James Rizzo, Rome, nine grandchildren; Alyssa, Jenna, Julianna, Jamie, David, Gabriella, Julia, Erika, and Alex; her brother Albert Izzo; her aunt Barbara Caramella; her uncle Alex Kowalewski; her sisters-in-law Sharon Rizzo-Eisinger and Marie Frasca; nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Rosie Kowalewski of Syracuse. Mary Ann was predeceased by her former husband James Rizzo and her brother Frank Izzo. The family would like to thank all friends and relatives for their thoughts and prayers during her illness. No words can express what your care, concern, cards, visits and phone calls meant to our mother. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Graziano and staff of Upstate Medical Center in Oneida NY, as well as the Hospice and Palliative Care staff for their attentive and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 9th, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 8th, from 4pm – 7pm at the Nicholas J Bush Funeral Home at 7751 Merrick Road in Rome. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mary Ann's memory to the Rome Hospital Foundation, 107 E. Chestnut St, Suite 100, Rome, NY 13440; Jervis Public Library, 613 N. Washington St, Rome, NY, Ava Dorfman Senior Center, 305 E. Locust St., Rome, NY 13440 or charities of one's choice. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com