Vic was born in Gilroy, CA on November 5, 1948 and he passed away, unexpectedly, on June 24, 2009 at the age of 60.
He was raised in Gilroy and graduated from Gilroy High School in 1967, Gavilan College in 1969, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1972 and received his Master’s Degree from Azusa Pacific University in 1985.
Vic went into business with his father, Vic Rizzi Sr., at Premium Beverage Company for a few years before becoming employed for many years as a Youth Counselor at the Harold Holden Boys Ranch in Morgan Hill, CA. He then decided to start his own business as a Restoration Contractor.
Vic loved all sports and played football, basketball and baseball all four years at Gilroy High School. He was named Most Valuable Player for the baseball team in his junior year and in his senior year he received the Athlete of the Year Award for all sports. He spent many years coaching Gilroy Little League baseball teams and was St. Mary School’s basketball coach for two years.
He is survived by his children, Erica Rizzi of Gilroy, Vince Rizzi (Jessalyn) of Glendale, CA, Kevin Rizzi (Suzie) of Gilroy; his mother, Gloria Rizzi of Gilroy; his adored grandchildren, Dillon, Eden and Blake Romero of Gilroy, Liam Rizzi of Glendale, Tyler and Alyson Rizzi of Gilroy; his sisters, Carolyn Tognetti (Eddie) of Gilroy and Julie Nelson (Jim) of Pinetop, AZ; aunt, Barbara Drewitz of Gilroy, aunt and uncle, Marian and Gene Ciabattari of Napa CA, uncle, Jim Duley Sr. of San Jose, CA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his father Vic Rizzi Sr., his grandparents Pete and Mary Rizzi, and George and Alfonsina Ciabattari all of Gilroy, as well as his dog, Lucca, who was his faithful, loving companion.
Vic will be remembered for his caring, kind nature and his compassion for others. The following quote by an unknown author describes the way many people feel about Vic: “Some people stay in our hearts forever. They leave their touch upon our lives and we are never the same again.” Vic did touch the lives of so many in such a positive way and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at the Habing Family Funeral Horne, 129 4th St., from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Memorial Service will be Friday, July 3, 2009 at 11 :00 A.M. at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave.
A private Inurnrnent Service will be held at a later date for family members only.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Vic’s memory to the Diabetes Society, 1165 Lincoln Ave. Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95125 or Gilroy Little League, P.O. Box 111, Gilroy, CA 95021
