Salvator J. Rizzo

Salvator J. “Sam” Rizzo, 94, of Church Creek, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Salvator was born in Jamestown, New York, on May 29, 1930. He was the son of the late Anthony and Christine (Nalbone) Trunzo.

He attended local schools in Jamestown and graduated from Jamestown High School with the Class of 1948. He then earned a two-year degree from Alfred University, graduating in 1950.

Following graduation, Salvator joined the Air Force on October 3, 1950, proudly serving his country as an SSGT. He was honorably discharged on December 21, 1953.

In 1959 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University. He continued his studies and earned his Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1961. He obtained both degrees under the G.I. Bill.

Salvator was employed by Westinghouse Electric and retired in 1992 after 32 years of service. He spent the first part of his career working in the Nuclear Power Division in Pittsburgh, PA, before transferring to the Westinghouse Defense Division in Baltimore, MD, where he oversaw the production of radar systems in the F16 until his retirement.

On July 1, 1961, Sam married Helen Vento. They made their home in several places, including Pittsburgh, PA, Wilmington, DE, and Columbia, MD, before moving to the Eastern Shore in 1986.

Salvator was a member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church and was very active in the parish. He took great pride in designing the adjoining church hall. He also volunteered at Blackwater Refuge and found his greatest joy in spending time with his family.

He is survived by his two sons, Paul Rizzo and his wife Jana, and Robert Rizzo and his wife Bianca; grandchildren Jessica Hart and her husband Matthew, Emily, Spencer, and Samuel Rizzo; great-grandchildren Cameron and Theodore Hart; sister-in-law Teresa Vento; and half-brother Tony Rizzo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12:00 noon at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Golden Hill, with Father Tim Kruthaupt officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Salvator’s name to St. Mary, Star of the Sea Foundation, P.O. Box 187, Fishing Creek, MD, 21634 or to the Church Creek Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 16, Church Creek, MD 21622.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, Cambridge, MD.