James Rizzuti

Surrounded by family, James Rizzuti, 83, beloved husband of Concetta Rizzuti, went to be with his Lord on December 2, 2004 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Born January 28, 1921, in Yonkers, New York, he spent his early years in this country before he moved with his parents to Gravina-Bari, Italy at the age of seven. He

continued his education in Italy where he trained as a pastry chef. At age seventeen, he entered the military and served in North Africa during World War 11. After being captured in Libya, he was held as a prisoner of war for several years. It was during this time that he honed his culinary skills by cooking for the British Officers. After his release, he returned to his home where he met his beautiful, bride-to-be, Concetta Stillavato. This was the beginning of a loving relationship that lasted fifty-eight years until his death.

His love for America, brought him and his family back to New York in 1953. Over the next fifty-one years his entrepreneurial spirit blossomed as he owned and operated several successful businesses in addition to two apartment complexes in Brooklyn. His family remembers James as a fun-loving, story-teller who made everyone feel special, whether young or old. His greatest joy was to gather his family together, create a wonderful feast, bake scrumptious pastries, and share delightful stories with his children and grandchildren.

James is predeceased by his son Pasquale and survived by his wife Concetta; his six children and their families: James Rizzuti Jr., Madeline and John Gould, Elizabeth and Dino Roglou, Michael and Rebecca Rizzuti, Anna and Alex DiMatteo and Marie and Don Abb. Surviving grandchildren include: Kimberly LaSelva, Stephanie Gabriele, Michael and Matthew

Roglou, Nicole and Adam Greenfield, Philip Rizzuti, Michele and Chris Anderson, Daniel DiMatteo, Aaron, Ryan and Alexis Abb. James is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Dante and Devon LaSelva. He is also survived by his two brothers, Emanuel and Salvatore, and his sister, Marietta.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004 at the Perkins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Friends are invited to call for viewing hours from 6 to 9 PM on Friday December 3, 2004 at the funeral home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, New York.