Rizzo, Dr. Joseph Michael, born March 10, 1943 died from complications related to congestive heart failure on October 23rd, 2025 in Dundas, Ontario.

Son of Rose (Alfano) and Salvatore Anthony Rizzo, proud and loving father to Kelly (Stuart Seldon) and Matthew (Anne), brother and friend to Nicholas Rizzo, M.D., (Margaret), and pre-deceased by his loving wife, Sylvia Chitty. Joe enjoyed a close relationship with his many nieces and nephews and will be missed by his only sister in law, Margaret Rizzo. Joe was a father and grandfather figure to Sylvia’s children and grandchildren and had many life long friendships that meant the world to him.

A graduate of Wilfred Laurier University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Joseph worked in Education for more than 30 years beginning as a classroom practitioner with the Wentworth County District School Board and moving into the area of counselling after earning a PhD. in counseling psychology in 1987. He later taught at Mohawk College and established his own counseling practice. Among his accomplishments were receiving the Counselor of the Year Award from Niagara College in 2012 and winning the National Championship Softball tournament in 2001. Joseph had a fervent love of his hometown, Hamilton, where he lived and served his community throughout his life. Joseph was a proud member of the 4th Degree with Knights of Columbus and served a 2 year term as President of the Hamilton Racalmutese Festival Maria SS Del Monte. Joseph was a sports enthusiast, from horse racing to playing and coaching baseball and cheering on the Hamilton Ti-Cats, he loved it all. Joseph will be missed by his family and many friends who have benefited from his wise counsel for so many years. Now re-united with his wife, Sylvia, he is free to resume dancing to some of their favourite oldies under the stars.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bay Gardens Funeral Home (1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington). Visitation will take place on Wednesday October 29th from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. Final remarks and prayers will be held at 7:30pm.
A Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, (23 Sheaffe Street, Hamilton) on Thursday October 30th at 10am. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery (600 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington).

The family is forever grateful to his Home Health team composed of PSWs from ParaMed and the VON, as well as Nursing support from Bayshore. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, or Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas.