The family of Constance (Caltabellotta) Rizzo, formerly of Sandy Hook, is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother at theage of 95. Connie passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 16, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born Concetta Caltabellotta on August 10, 1929, in Garfield, New Jersey, she was the eldest daughter of Francesco and Angela (Mineo) Caltabellotta and the loving sister to Josephine (Caltabellotta) Gallucci.

Connie lived most of her young life in Manhattan and the Bronx. Her first real job while in high school was for the New York Telephone Company in Manhattan. Connie graduated from Evander Childs High School in the Bronx with high honors and four years of Latin, setting her sights on Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing in Manhattan. Unfortunately, her father decided at that time she would not be attending nursing school after high school.

At the age of 19 Connie met the love of her life and soulmate, Michael Rizzo, and they were married on May 21, 1950, at the Concourse Plaza Hotel in the Bronx. They later settled in New Fairfield, where they lovingly raised their three children. Connie and Mike never spent one day apart. They were happily married for 69 years until Mike's passing in 2019. She missed him so deeply and it is comforting to know they are together again.

Connie pursued employment as close to the medical field as possible. She worked for Dr Thomas Draper in pediatrics for many years, and later for ophthalmologist Dr Parviz Mehri, until her retirement at the age of 60. After retiring, she and Mike traveled extensively — back and forth to Europe, the islands, and many other destinations. They especially loved traveling with their cousins to their families’ hometowns in Italy and Sicily. They loved both the culture and the food.

Our mom, Nani, and great-nani was happiest cooking for and being with her family and she loved entertaining, especially during the holidays — as long as we were all together. She created a world for us filled with love and compassion, always greeting us with a smile and open arms. She never forgot a birthday and made everyone feel special. Family was the center of her universe, and she thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful chaos that comes with a large family. She taught us many life lessons and traditions that have been carried down through all the generations of our family. Connie was loved by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She was very devoted to her family and her faith and to her many cherished lifelongb friends

Connie is survived by her two daughters, Phyllis O'Neill of Newtown and Beverly Fairchild (Randy) of New Fairfield; five grandchildren, Sarah Albano (Nicholas), Joseph Fairchild (Jessica), Terry O'Neill, Kelly O'Neill and Katherine Mellen (Brendan): five great-grandchildren, Violet Fairchild, Kellan Fairchild, Jack Mellen, Chase Mellen and Aiden Skaggs. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews.

Connie was predeceased by her husband Michael Rizzo and her son Michael Rizzo Jr (Mickey).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, at 10:30 am, at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, with Monsignor Robert Weiss officiating, followed by Interment at St Peter's Cemetery, Danbury.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Regional Hospice of Western CT, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is in charge of arrangements.