Ed Rizzolo's Obituary
Dr. Ed Rizzolo, 84, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2013. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edward and Josephine Rizzolo. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth Rizzolo; son, Ed M. Rizzolo and wife, Nancy; daughters, Cindye Sablatura-Partridge and husband, Paul, Beverly Rizzolo; grandchildren, Erin McKinney and husband, Cody, Anthony and Matthew Rizzolo, Sara and Dawn Sablatura; Paul’s children Lauren Smith and husband, Ethan, Dawson Partridge; and a host of other family and friends.
The cornerstones of Ed’s life were faith, family, friends, fly fishing and a lifelong love of medicine.
Ed graduated from Seton Hall University in 1950 and earned his graduate degree from the University of Texas in 1952. He completed his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in 1956 and was a life member of the Texas Medical Association and Harris County Medical Society. Ed served in many professional groups and was a Fellow and life Member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as the Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Memorial Southeast Hospital. He served on the Executive Board of the Houston Gynecological and Obstetrical Society from 1988 to 1990 and served as President in 1989.
Ed was passionate about fly fishing and was a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited and the Texas Fly Fishers of Houston. He was the Founder of the Texas Fly Fishers Annual Fly Tying Festival, which is now known as the “Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival” and is celebrating its 22nd year.
Ed enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and sharing his love of the outdoors with his family and friends. He was a Texas Longhorn fan and loved to play boogie-woogie music on the piano. Ed was a master fly tyer who was invited to demonstrate fly tying techniques at conclaves around the country, and several of his fly patterns have been published. Ed practiced obstetrics and gynecology in the Houston area for 38 years. He enjoyed bringing babies into the world and had a special connection with his patients. Ed took great pride in his family. To his grandchildren, he was “Papa,” to Ruth, he was her DSEH (Dear Sweet Everloving Husband), and to everyone, he was known as a kind and gentle man with a very strong faith.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s honor to “St. Vincent de Paul Society” St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Rd. Pearland, TX 77581. St. Vincent de Paul helps those in need in the Pearland area.
A visitation and vigil will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, with the vigil beginning at 6:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581 with Deacon Darvin Bordelon officiating. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 12:00 pm at St. Helen Catholic Church at 2209 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, TX with Father Wayne Wilkerson officiating.
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