Joseph R. “Bob” Rizza

Of West Newton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 88.

Born and raised in Newton to the late Bruno and Anastasia (Medaglia) Rizza, he was a lifelong resident of Newton and a graduate of Newton High School.

Mr. Rizza served honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

When Bob was just 13 years hold he began working for his uncles at the Echo Bridge Service Station in Newton Upper Falls. He eventually purchased the service station from his uncles and operated it for over thirty years. Bob enjoyed his work and took care of his customers, he used to let all of the local children fix their bikes with his tools in his service station.

In his spare time Bob enjoyed golfing fishing, and shooting. He bowled when he was younger, was an avid chess player, and liked building his own computers. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who took care of his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Stephanie (Szylkonis) Rizza, his devoted children Joseph R. Rizza, Jr. and his wife Beatrice (Springer) of Parsons, Kansas, Richard J. Rizza and his wife Helen (Rakes) of Hampton, NH, Judith Davidoff and her husband Gary of Coral Springs, FL, his siblings Anna Iarossi of Auburndale, Eleanor Kearney and her husband Gerald of Framingham, James T. Rizza of West Newton, Janet Proia of West Newton, Marilyn Adams and her husband Sal of West Newton, Richard A. Rizza of Hopkinton, and Rosemarie Thompson of Bellingham., and his cherished grandchildren Jennifer Rizza of CO, Lisa Jackson, of CT, Jodie Sansone of FL, Joseph Davidoff of FL, Jordan Rizza of FL, and Faith Rizza of Hampton, NH, He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother-in-law of the late Anthony Iarossi, Rosemary Rizza, and Anthony Proia.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in celebration of Bob’s life at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody St., Waltham, Monday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.