Vincent Veto Rizzi Sr. was born on July 16, 1926 to Ambrogio and Filomena Rizzi in Brooklyn, NY. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He went home to glory on September 28, 2020 at 94 years old under the care of his daughter Rosemarie in Newburgh, NY.
Eager to leave the city life, his family moved to Highland, NY. As a young man Vincent and his brother Tal, obtained jobs in the jewelry industry on Hollywood and Vine in California. There the two of them hand crafted custom Jewelry for movie stars. The passion for family togetherness brought his interest to Highland, N.Y. in 1948, where Vincent created Jewelry and did repairs out of the basement of his parents’ home on Tilson Avenue. Tal went off to serve in the U.S. Marines, but Vincent desired to have his own store. He rented a tiny store 2 doors in from where the “Little Flower Shop” currently is on Main Street, Highland and named it the “Tiny Gift Shop.” Vincent’s high hopes to see Highland flourish, convinced his brother Tal after serving in the Marines to form “A. Rizzi & Sons Fine Jewelry Store,” at 76 Vineyard Ave, Highland’s former A & P. Vincent’s brother Tal later moved to Florida and his son Vincent Rizzi Jr. joined him for 12 years as a superb watch repairman servicing Jewelry stores throughout the Hudson valley. Vincent Jr. moved on to build homes, but Vincent Sr. remained in business at 76 Vineyard Ave until his 90th birthday. He was a solid, fair businessman in the Hamlet of Highland for 68 years who was exceptional at his trade.
His greatest pleasure was to be with his family, tell jokes and believe he would one day “HIT THE BIG ONE!” Vincent enjoyed homemade Italian food, Won Ton Soup from the local Chinese take-out and lots of fresh fruit. He appreciated the fine arts, was an avid reader and passed his time coloring magnificent pictures in his later years. He was active in the Highland Businessmen’s Association and was presented with “A Pride of Lloyd Certificate” in 2012 in recognition for his 65 years of conducting business.
Vincent Sr. was affectioning known as “The Mayor of Highland” & “A Legend of Highland.” We do not remember ever seeing our dad miss a day of work or stay home sick in bed. He was an active, healthy man who lived his life for his family that died from natural causes. His motto was, “Find the occupation you really love, and you will be happy to go to work for a lifetime.” He did just that.
Vincent predeceased his two sisters Rosalie Calandrello, 100 yrs. old and Marie DeSola, 95 yrs. old. He is survived by 2 sons Mark, his wife Michelle, Vincent Jr. his wife Eva, two daughters Rosemarie and Mary, her husband AJ Atkins, his children’s mother Margaret Rizzi, his grandchildren Vincent Paul Rizzi, his wife Lauren, Renee Rizzi, her husband Chris Heminway, Andrew Miller and many other nieces and nephews that he was fond of. We will all miss him more than words can express.
There will be a private family burial at the Highland Cemetery. The family will host a Memorial Celebration for all their friends and family when permitted to be announced. All communication can be sent to: “The Rizzi Family” at 76 Vineyard Ave 2nd Floor, Highland New York 12528 or emailed to Roseym22@icloud.com
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528.