November 26, 2013 marked the passing of Philip G. Rizzo M.S. ’49, 89, of St. Augustine. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and devout Catholic, Phil was truly of The Greatest Generation, born in San Jose, California, and serving four years in the Army Air Force during World War II. He is survived by his wife Alene M. Rizzo, with whom he recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

He utilized his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University to good advantage during his 32 year career in management at American Can Company. He loved his family, was an avid golfer, musician, and dog-lover. He enjoyed life, loved people, and those he met knew he had a genuine interest in them. One of the distinct honors in his life was being able to help President Ronald Reagan celebrate his 79th, 80th, and 81st birthdays. In 2012, he and Alene left his beloved California to live with his family in Florida, and became members of San Juan del Rio Catholic Church.

He is survived by: Six children Paul (Nancy) Rizzo of Portland, Ore., Carol (John) Scherer of St. Augustine, Fla., Thomas Rizzo of Houston, Texas, Ricci (Tamara) Rizzo of Boston, Mass.,  Rion (Yvonne) Rizzo of Atlanta, Ga.,  Darren Rizzo of Newport Beach, Calif.;  seven grandchildren Justin (Amanda) Barney, Nathan (Kelly) Scherer, Christopher (Lacey) Rizzo, Dustin Rizzo, Lisa (Christopher) Stone, Brian Rizzo, Danielle Rizzo; five great grandchildren Leah Scherer, Landon Barney, Levi Scherer, Savannah Barney, Mason Stone; as well as many extended family members, and hundreds of friends from coast to coast.