- April 25, 2024
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Jeremiah Mahoney, a lifelong friend of Joe Rizzo, told mourners, “We’re all here because he wanted us to be together.”
There was standing room only during Rizzo’s memorial service at First Baptist Church of Bunnell on March 12.
Rizzo, the Flagler Education Foundation’s executive director, died unexpectedly on March 6 at 47.
“His passion for helping the entire Flagler County community, but especially the students and teachers of Flagler Schools, seeped through his pores and was evident in everything he did,” the foundation said in a March 7 statement announcing Rizzo’s passing.
A lifelong Flagler County resident and former partner of the local Woody's Bar-B-Q, Rizzo was larger than life who knew everybody, his friends and family said.
“If you knew Joe, then everyone you knew knew Joe,” said Donnie Palmer, another longtime friend. “Joe was a great friend. He was a great mentor … And he was very proud of being part of this community.
“As a friend, Joe was a confidant, someone you can share your thoughts with; a brother, someone you can argue with. But also, the biggest thing for me, Joe was irreplaceable. I think we all feel that. There’s a black hole in Flagler County right now.”
“Joe was an optimist. His life was a definite celebration. He saw the good in everyone.”
TERESA RIZZO
Two musicians at the service sang, “Seven Spanish Angels,” which was Rizzo’s only request for his memorial service, said Pastor Danny Brown.
“Joe was a visionary,” his wife, Teresa, said. “He had a vision for his work and for his family. His vision for us was to always be there for each other no matter what.
“Joe was an optimist,” Teresa said. “His life was a definite celebration. He saw the good in everyone.”
“He was my best friend,” said Rizzo’s son, Joseph, who is serving in the U.S. Navy. “He was everybody’s friend. He was selfless.”
Rizzo’s daughter, Caroline, who attends Mars Hill University, the college Joe and Teresa also attended, said the school is a special place, because it is where her parents fell in love.
“Please, please do not forget Joe’s memories,” Mahoney said. “Because that’s what we are. We’re Joe’s memories.”
