Obituary of James (Jim) Rizzo

James (Jim) Rizzo James (Jim) Rizzo, 74, of Wellesley Island, NY, formerly of Rome, passed away after a brief illness at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY, on Monday, December 14, 2015. He was born on December 31, 1940 in Rome, NY, son of the late Joseph and Carmella DiBella Rizzo. As a youth, Jim developed a strong work ethic, helping his parents working at Rizzo's Market on South James Street. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1958, served in the U.S. Army in Korea for two years, and was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1968, he graduated from Utica College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies. He completed his NYS teacher's and administrative certifications and later received his Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Syracuse University and was a Doctoral candidate for Education. Jim's professional career was devoted to improving students' education, mentoring teachers, and striving for educational excellence. He worked for 22 years in the Rome School District, beginning his career as a teacher at Bellamy Elementary School, serving in Administration positions with the Board of Education, and later as Principal of Gansevoort and Bellamy Elementary Schools. In 1990, he was selected as Superintendent of the Remsen Central School District, and in 1994 he was appointed as Superintendent of the Indian River School District, Philadelphia, NY, where he served until his retirement. During that time period, he provided strong leadership in curriculum and instruction, forming several committees that positively impacted the future of the Indian River School district. He was known as a good listener, and always valued the input of others when having to make difficult decisions. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, scuba diving, boating, exercising, spending time with his loving dog Oliver and especially opening up his home to host his family, relatives and many friends. Jim is survived by his four children, David and his wife Sofia Rizzo, Saratoga Springs, NY, Donna Aiello, Rome, Joseph Rizzo, El Cerrito, CA,James Rizzo,Rome and their mother,Mary Ann Rizzo, of Rome, nine grandchildren; Alyssa, Jenna, Julianna, Jamie, David, Gabriella, Julia,Erika, and Alex; his two sisters and a brother-in-law, Marie and Ernest Frasca and Sharon Eisinger, all of Rome and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins,including the DiBella and VanMeter Families,and loving companion for many years,Barbara Gaetano, Wellesley Island, NY. The family would like to thank all friends and relatives for their thoughts and prayers during his illness. No words can express what your care and concern meant to our family. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY, for their attentive and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, NY 13440, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends at church from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Ct., Utica, NY, 13502 or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., Rome, NY. To offer online condolences, please visit, www.njbushfuneralhome.com