Edward M. Rizzuto, Sr. 75, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, formerly West Boylston passed away Thursday, August 16th at home with his devoted wife, son and daughter in law by his side, after a brief illness.

Edward was born in Worcester, on July 20th 1943, a son of Anthony and Thelma (Adams) Rizzuto. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade, and lived in Worcester and West Boylston most of his life before retiring to South Carolina over 4 years ago. Edward provided for his family as a printer for many years for the Dubois Chemical Corporation before retiring in 2005. Edward served over 7 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Edward is survived by the ‘Love of His Life” for over 48 years, Linda J. (Batterson) Rizzuto; his son Edward M. Rizzuto, Jr., his wife (Sara) three grandchildren he loved dearly, Katelynn, Ryan and David Rizzuto; many nieces, nephews, extended family members including his brother and sisters in law. Edward had many wonderful friends too many to mention. Two brothers, Phillip and Robert “Bob” Rizzuto pre deceased him.

In South Carolina, Edward was a member of St Michael’s Church and the American Legion Post 178. In Worcester, he was a former member of St Christopher’s church and the West Boylston Post American Legion. He loved to tend his garden, golf, hunt, play horse shoes and his regular weekly card games with friends. A handyman, Edward could fix, construct or repair most anything.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, August 23rd from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Friday, August 24th from the funeral home with a procession to St Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston St. where his celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10:15 am. Burial with military honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis care of the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd. #301, Framingham, MA 01701 or the St. Jude Children’s research center, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org.