John Francis Rizzo Jr.'s Obituary
Rizzo, John F.
62, Of Hayward, CA, Formerly of Maui, HI, Ocean City, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022. John was born in Philadelphia on April 25, 1960. He graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1978 and was the Senior Class President and Resident DJ for school dances.
John attended Radio Broadcasting School and launched a Radio Career that spanned over 30 years. He will be remembered as the guy that “Always made people laugh no matter what.” John started off working as the Musical Director at the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia, putting together all musical aspects in the club “Elan”. John made “Elan” the top hot spot to be in Center City, Philadelphia. The highlight of John’s radio career was working for the Sands Copa Club in the Sands Casino, Atlantic City. John was known for being “the voice” of the Sands Hotel Casino. He also worked as a DJ for WPAZ in Pottstown, PA, and WAYV 95.1 in Atlantic City, NJ doing the “House Party”, bringing the show to the number one time slot for the radio station.
John later joined the Transportation Security Administration in Maui where he was a TSA Supervisor and transferred to the SFO airport as a TSA Manager up until the day of his passing. John was a loyal employee who always put his family first. In his spare time, he liked to spend time with his family at home, or traveling to visit new places to go mini-golfing with his son. He also loved everything “Hawaiian”, the culture, the People, and his “Ohana”. He also loved his hometown Philadelphia Eagles and The Phillies!
John is predeceased by his Father, John F. Rizzo, and his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Rizzo, and infant sibling, Mark. Surviving is his wife, Raynette (Bista) Rizzo, his son and legacy, Aidan John Nokahaku Kaha’eokaponia Leimana Bista Rizzo (10), Sister, Donna (Mark) Williams, Mother-In-Law, Florence Pam Bista, Numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. A celebration of Life Memorial Service for John will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, Hayward, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544, on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 from 12pm-1:30pm with a luncheon to follow immediately after the service at his residence.
The family wishes to Acknowledge and Mahalo Kaiser Hayward Hospice Team, Especially Lizzie, Eddie, Voltaire and Arvin who provided comfort and assistance to us. Fremont, San Leandro and Oakland Kaiser Hospital Nurses, Doctors and Staff who took good care of John, and last but not least, Dr. Derek Shek, Dr. Kenneth Kim, Dr. Cynthia Chin and Dr. Luis Alberto Jimenez-Camargo for their support and wisdom. Thank you to Pastor Tim Inman and Harborlight Church, and to the Chapel of The Chimes Staff (Kiki) for partnering with us. We are eternally grateful. There are also countless others we would like to thank and acknowledge, but are too numerous to name. Please know that our family loves and appreciates you as well.
"Be at Peace, My Love. All is well with us." Me Ke Aloha Pumehana, Ray*.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?