Condolence From: Lucas Smolic
Condolence: Mr. Rizzitano gave me more of a respect for live than almost anything ever has. I truly wish I could have known him as an adult. I would have been right there on the trail with him, taking in the sights, fighting through the wind, rain, snow, and sleet. It was his dedication to our understanding of the deepest meaning of humanity that permanently ingrained him in all of his students minds. His tests were the toughest, but his persistence made you want to give your everything to achieve your best. ---
I bought a copy of Moby Dick because of him and his passionate description of the Lee Shore during that class forever changed the path my life took. I hope to have even a fraction of the impact he had on future generations. ---
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
---
Thank you for succeeding.
Monday April 15, 2019
Condolence From: Bernie Cotter
Condolence: Sorry for you loss.Andy was a scholar,a gentleman,a teacher,a great parent and a good friend.He will be missed.
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Condolence From: Jerome Souza
Condolence: I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.
-Thoreau
The world is a poorer place for absence; but abundantly enriched by your inspiration.
Thanks Bud
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Condolence From: Stephen McWalter
Condolence: My condolences to Ariana and Tomas on the loss of your Dad Andy. He's been taken from you far too early and myself and all of his friends and extended family will miss him very much. We graduated together in 1971 from CCHS and had a lot of fun together as we all reluctantly grew into men. I remember having a great time at his wedding.
I always knew he'd be a great teacher and I can see from the many remembrances here that he became a beloved and respected educator. I wish you strength through this difficult time but also revel in the great memories you and anyone who crossed paths with Andy have.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Condolence From: Stephen McWalter
Condolence: My condolences to Ariana and Tomas on the loss of your Dad Andy. He's been taken from you far too early and myself and all of his friends and extended family will miss him very much. We graduated together in 1971 from CCHS and had a lot of fun together as we all reluctantly grew into men. I remember having a great time at his wedding.
I always knew he'd be a great teacher and I can see from the many remembrances here that he became a beloved and respected educator. I wish you strength through this difficult time but also revel in the great memories you and anyone who crossed paths with Andy have.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Condolence From: Karen Woodhall
Condolence: Dear Tomas, Ariana and Family, Sorry your dear Dad Tony died. I remember Tony coming to our first annual party -he was the first welcoming neighbor to do so! I enjoyed his delicious homemade jams, mustards, biscotti and other generous treats he gave to me. I used to see him at local farmers' markets and Christmas fairs with you Tom, gardening or on the way back from the beach,to sitting in the yard... Tony was genuinely interested in people and was always warm and friendly to me. Love to you all at this sad time. xo
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Condolence From: Cate Conway DeCosta
Condolence: Ari, Tomas, and family, I'm so sorry for you all to have lost him so soon. He was a great man and a good friend. I wish we had stayed in touch. He was one of those people I thought would be around forever. My thoughts are with you all.
Monday March 20, 2017
Condolence From: Lisa (Allen) Vinson
Condolence: I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Rizzitano's passing. As an extremely shy student but one who is a read-a-holic and loved writing, Mr. Rizz's 9th Grade English class was my very favorite. Besides class, another memory I have is a bike ride he took a bunch of students on I think from Pembroke to Plymouth and back. He invested so much of himself into every student as evidenced by the wonderful memories being written about here. Prayers for all who loved him.
Sunday March 19, 2017
Condolence From: Champigie Family
Condolence: As a mother of 3 former students I never would have made it thru freshman English if not for Rizz, Thank you. Rest easy.
Sunday March 19, 2017
Condolence From: "Steeleiatzo"
Condolence: Maybe you had him as a teacher or wandered into his classroom one afternoon after school was over. You saw him at the gym hitting the elliptical, sweating it out to some Sly and the Family Stone. You saw him blowing red lights around the south shore at 5 AM. You spent the first day of class having your dreams destroyed, your ego dismembered and your skill as a writer ousted as mere fantasy. We are bound by the Rizz boot camp. "Meat". "Trash". "Barbasol, shut your mouth". By the time we left Silver Lake we were part of this elite squadron of funky academics, wearing our scars proudly as we went off and applied all that Rizz taught us about life to our college careers and minimum waged jobs (Jason's working for Marty now, I know Rizz got a kick out of that). Last time rizz and I talked was via text, I told him "I'm driving through downtown Boston right now in a car worth three times my college debt: I either finally made it or I'm an underpaid valet driver!" He replied simply "Neither would surprise me."
Sunday March 19, 2017
