Frank J. Rizzardo, Jr. of Enola, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2025 at the age of 79. Born January 20, 1946 in Cadogan, Pennsylvania to Frank Rizzardo, Sr. and Pauline Rizzardo (née Markilinski), Frank was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and loved bowling – some from the lanes may know him best as Papa Rizz.
Frank served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967, stationed at US NAVCOMMSTA Asmara, Ethiopia, and aboard USS Newport News (CA-148) Norfolk, Virginia. After leaving the service he
worked in the mushroom mines in Cadogan, then briefly joined his uncle-in-law’s appliance store in LaCrosse, Wisconsin before working as a computer specialist for 27 years at the Naval Support Systems Command in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He retired in 2001.
Those who knew Frank will not be shocked to learn he was a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan, frequently decked head to toe in the black and gold. As a sportsman he coached his children’s baseball teams as they were growing up. He even once took his family to the Little League World Series where Willie Stargell was the guest commentator. He was also a dedicated golfer.
Frank loved his family and always looked forward to a holiday or a cookout where everyone would be gathered in his home. He had a youthful energy that was felt by everyone who encountered him. His family and friends knew him as an outgoing personality who reveled in sitting down for a drink and a conversation, was open to all he met, and maintained an excellent sense of humor.
Frank is survived by his wife Carol Rizzardo (née Short); his brothers William (Monique) Rizzardo, and Samuel (Carol) Rizzardo; his sister Shari (Chris) Fuller; his sons Scott Rizzardo, Timothy (Erika)
Rizzardo, and Jeffrey (Danita) Rizzardo; four grandchildren; four nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers Ernest and Robert (Brenda) Rizzardo.
Frank was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish as well as a member of the American Legion, the Sportsman’s Club, and the Knights of Columbus.
A public visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 225 Salt Rd, Enola PA 17025, on Thursday, November 20 at 10AM followed by the service at 11AM. The burial will be held at 12:30PM at Tri-County Memorial Gardens, 740 Wyndamere Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to Grane Hospice at:
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rizzardo family.