Michael D. Rizzo, 93, of Sandy Hook, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Michael “Mike” was born on October 12, 1925, in Manhattan, N.Y., to Arturo and Albina Rizzo (née Tul). He was the oldest of four children.

Mike lived in The Bronx, N.Y., and worked as a welder on the submarines in Hoboken with his father when he was a young man. After graduating from Evander Childs High School in The Bronx, he was drafted into the Air Force and successfully completed 35 missions for the 758th squadron of the 459th bomb group of the 15th Air Force of World War II.

After the war, Mike married his loving wife and soulmate Constance “Connie.” Their 69 years of marriage was a true love story of devotion, happiness, patience, and kindness. They moved to New Fairfield, where they raised a beautiful family. During that time, he worked as a mechanical supervisor for the Barden Corporation of Danbury for 40 years.

Mike was a hardworking man who was devoted to his family and his faith. He taught us so many life lessons on how to live a good life. He was kind, smart, witty — but most of all, loving. He always put everyone else first. Mike was a true inspiration to everyone he touched, which was evident by his long relationships with people. His love and lessons have filtered down through three generations. He was our guiding light and will be missed by so many.

In his retirement, he enjoyed reading, walking along the ocean, home projects, exploring artistic endeavors, and traveling abroad. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Connie Rizzo (née Calltabellotta); their two daughters, Phyllis O’Neill and Beverly Fairchild and her husband, Randy; five grandchildren, Sarah Albano and her husband, Nicholas, Joseph Fairchild and his wife, Jessica, Terry O’Neill, Kelly O’Neill, and Katherine Mellen and her husband, Brendan; three great-grandchildren, Violet, Kellan, and Jack; along with his loving nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his son, Michael, Jr, “Mickey.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 10:30 am, at St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, followed by Interment at St Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105; or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York NY 10018, per Michael’s wishes.