Charles J. Rizzo of Quincy passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2026, at the age of 95. Charlie was born to his Sicilian parents, the late Charles and Rosalie Rizzo, and was the beloved father of Charles A. Rizzo, and his wife, Barbara Anne, John C. Rizzo and his wife Gloria, and the late Paul O. Rizzo and Peter J. Rizzo.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife, Joan Francis (Helin) Rizzo, and was brother to the late Louis (Elaine) Rizzo; the late Salvatore (Sofie) Rizzo; Anna Mazzola and late husband, Ralph. Charlie also survived by 5 grandchildren: Charles P. and his wife Allison of Bethesda MD, Gregory A. and Caroline T. of Boston, John A. and Paul L. of Quincy, and one great-grandson Charles J. of Bethesda MD, many nieces and nephews and dear and loving friends.
Charlie was a US veteran and very proud of his service with the US Navy. He enlisted and served honorably from 1948 to 1952 and was a radio repairman on fighter jets out of Squantum Air Base in Quincy and could often be seen wearing his Korean War hat. Always crafty with his hands and with his strong mechanical background, he had the ability to build most anything from the ground up, particularly his love of antique cars including a 31 Model A Ford, 36 Ford Phaeton touring car, and multiple 67 Chevy Camero convertibles. His 31 Model A Ford was authentic all the way around from parts to upholstery and loved driving to car shows and flea markets with his family to have fun and to show his workmanship.
Charlie owned and operated the Charles Rizzo Beauty Salon in Milton for over 35 years and was a fixture in the community including association with the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and bowling leagues but mostly loved his golf, playing at the Furnace Brook Golf Club in Quincy. He was the architect of the Garlic Galic Open and his service to the club over the years was unending. He started golfing as a middle-aged enthusiast and was determined to be good at the game. His Governors Cup Club Championship in 1989 and his qualifying trip to Hawaii in1986 in the Boston Hearld/Mazda International Gold Tournament, were thrills of a lifetime for him.
Charlie was a lover of life and lived it to the fullest. He could talk to anyone and often did. He will be remembered by the people he touched with his kindness, generosity, friendliness, and ability to make a connection with people instantly.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at St. Agatha’s Church, Milton, MA on January 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 followed by mass of Christian Burial at Saint Agathas. Burial will be held privately at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. In lieu of flowers, your kind and thoughtful donations may be made to the Veterans Home in Chelsea MA or the American Heart Association.