Gianfranco Rizzo
elevated 1IUvQ July 16, 1932 – July 17, 2026
elevated 1IUvQ Visitation
Wednesday July 29, 2026 from 11:15am to 1:15pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 1IUvQ Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Wednesday July 29, 2026 at 1:30pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 1IUvQ To view the Funeral Mass live, please click here.
elevated 1IUvQ Reception to follow
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 1IUvQ In Loving Memory of Gianfranco Rizzo
elevated 1IUvQ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gianfranco Rizzo, who peacefully passed away on July 17, 2026, one day after celebrating his 94th birthday. Born on July 16, 1932, in Pordenone, Friuli, Italy, Gianfranco lived a long and meaningful life devoted to his family, his values, and those he loved.
elevated 1IUvQ Gianfranco was the beloved son of the late Giovanni Rizzo and Amalia Pellegrin Rizzo. He was predeceased by his older sister, Adelina Rufatti (Gino). He is lovingly remembered by his youngest sister, Antoinette Michelin (Enrico).
elevated 1IUvQ Gianfranco emigrated to Canada in 1950 at the age of 18, where he began his career with the T. Eaton Company. He dedicated more than 40 years of service to Eaton’s, working there from the age of 18 until his retirement at the age of 60. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of his colleagues through his hard work, dedication, and commitment.
elevated 1IUvQ He was predeceased by his beloved wife and the love of his life, Maureen (Hesketh) Rizzo, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and cherished memories.
elevated 1IUvQ Gianfranco leaves behind his three loving children: Anthony Rizzo and his wife, Nancy; Christopher Rizzo and his partner, Felice; and Perry Rizzo and his wife, Sandra.
elevated 1IUvQ He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Courtney and her husband, Keith; Alyssa and her husband, Max; Chloe and her husband, Jonny; Cynthia and her partner, Ryan; Christopher Jr. and his partner, Abi; and Pierce, Connor, Cole, and Shane.
elevated 1IUvQ His greatest joy was his growing family, and he was blessed to be a great-grandfather to Jensen, Elora, Kennedy, Colton, Charlotte, and Clarkson, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and happiness.
elevated 1IUvQ Gianfranco will be remembered for his strength, kindness, unwavering love for his family, and the example he set through a life well lived. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the generations of family he loved so dearly.
elevated 1IUvQ Forever in our hearts, always in our memories.
elevated 1IUvQ To make a charitable donation to the Canadian Cancer Society of Canada in memory of Gianfranco, please click here.
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elevated 1IUvQ
I have only love for this man who through his kindness would engage in meaningful conversations with me on a regular basis.
He talked to me with kindness and concern as we would discuss topics of various subjects. I will remember him as an example of how to treat your fellow man, and I will miss our conversations.
I feel very sorry for the loss of Mr. Rizzo; he was a kind and humble person. I just saw him a few months ago (May 2026) accompanied by his caregiver and her daughter. He was always smiling, a positive person, and loving to others. I will really miss him a lot. RIP Gianfranco.
Sincerest condolences to the Rizzo family. I always remember Franco as a happy person. He’s at rest with his lifelong partner, Maureen. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
We offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Rizzo family at this time of great sadness. May he Rest in Eternal Peace 🕊️😇🤍💔
I fondly remember speaking in furlan to Franco last year while I was in Toronto reminiscing old times. I also fondly remember Maureen and how happy they always were together. My hearfelt condolences to all his family and may the memory of his smile help you all during this sad time and sweeten your future thoughts. Franco caro eterno riposo nella luce perpetua.
RIzzo family
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. He is and was a real treasure.
Franco was like my brother the talks and laughs we would have about the old days were amazing, he will be extremely missed.
Just writing this is making me miss him right now.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sincerely
Vilma, John & Diane Moreal