WEST YARMOUTH, MA: Joseph F. Rizza, 70, passed away Wednesday, February, 18, 2015 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was born in Waterbury, CT to the late Salvatore and Mary (Cimaglio) Rizza. He attended Sacred Heart High School, Mount Saint Mary’s University and received a Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University.
Joe began employment as an English teacher and later enjoyed a long career in radio most recently as the Northeast Regional Manager for Davidson Media Group (WSPR/WACM). He was General Manager of WMAS AM/FM for many years and was in sales or management at several other MA and CT radio and TV stations throughout his career. A long-time resident of Westfield, MA, Joe had recently moved to Cape Cod.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife Deborah A. (Nass) Laxton-Rizza of West Yarmouth, his daughter Laura Rizza of Northampton, his son KC Laxton, daughter-in-law Sarah Laxton, his grandsons, Bruce and Quentin Laxton of Wakefield, MA, as well as his brother Paul Rizza of Middlebury, CT.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 11 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St. Westfield. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday 5-7 PM in the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA 01085. Donations in Joe’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
