Edgar Joseph Rizzo

Edgar Joseph Rizzo, age 93, of Lakeside Park, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday August 15, 2021. Edgar is known by friends and colleagues as “EJ” or “Pete”. He dedicated his working life to Rizzo Brothers Painting Contractors, which he founded in 1954, never missing one day of work in over 60 years. He sought to instill in his children the virtues of honesty, integrity and loving to work for the benefit of all others.  Outside his long and successful career, EJ was a philosopher, activist and avid reader, as well as an accomplished artist, poet, athlete and dancer.  Above all, EJ was known for his ability to make people laugh with his impish wit and beaming smile.

EJ served in the 147th Infantry of the Ohio National Guard, where he was awarded a trophy in 1948 for High Score with an M1 Rifle. He was a member and past president of the Cincinnati Chapter of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), and former president of the Ohio Council of that organization.  Ever civic-minded with a desire to serve, he and his wife were instrumental in establishing the original Southern Hills Volunteer Fire Department on Orphanage Road. He served as Mayor of the City of Lakeview and at the time of its merger with the City of Fort Wright in 1978, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. EJ was proud to have been commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded by the state of Kentucky, on January 31, 1996.

 EJ was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mary Ann Brueggemann Rizzo, his son, John Jude Rizzo and grandson “Little John” Rizzo. He is survived by his 5 remaining children: Jansett Belovodia, Peter Anthony Rizzo (Debbie), Anna Marie Richardson, Rosie Merkt (Don), and Paul Rizzo; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

 EJ made the selfless choice to donate his body to medical sciences following his passing. A memorial mass is being held in his honor on Thursday, September 2nd 2021 at 7:30 in the evening at St. John the Evangelist Church. 627 Pike Street Covington, Kentucky 41011.