Helen N. Rizzo

Helen N. Rizzo, 94, of Johnstown, died on December 1, 2021 at Arbutus Park Manor. Born in Johnstown on February 8, 1924, the daughter of Guiseppe and Pasqua (Grasso) DiBartola. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; brothers and sisters; infant sister Stella, Mary Marino, Margaret "Peg" Manganella, Philip, Anthony (DeBate), Eugene, Lawrence, and Virginia "Dixie" Siciliano; son-in-law, Edward Paratore; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of daughter, Anne Paratore, of Johnstown; sons, Tony Rizzo, married to Melinda, of Phoenix, AZ; and Thomas Rizzo, married to MaryAnne, of Johnstown; grandmother to Lisa Jones (Jason), Sandusky, OH; Bert Paratore (Alex), Ft. Worth, TX; James Rizzo (Leigh), Pittsburgh; and Angela Berkebile (Ben), Johnstown; great-grandmother to Claire and Braeden Jones, Piper Bruce, Anthony Rizzo, Benson Berkebile, Jackson and Taylor Paratore. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In the early 1940's, Helen began her career as a licensed beautician working with her sister Mary. She kept her beauty license updated for many years and helped other beauticians when her assistance was requested. In later years, she was employed by food service providers for several area school districts. Mom enjoyed baking gobs, no-bake cookies and preparing other lunch items for students at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Greater Johnstown, and Westmont Hilltop School Districts. Mom was always willing to travel. She enjoyed trips to visit relatives in various locations (Michigan, New England, Ohio, Texas), her son Tony in Phoenix, and nephew Gene in Alexandria, VA. She looked forward to spending time with family and friends whenever possible. Mom also enjoyed baking (especially with her grandchildren), playing poker and pinochle. She looked forward to family birthdays, holiday celebrations or an occasional night out for beer, pizza, and wings. Helen's life began in Old Conemaugh Borough section of Johnstown. In the 1950's the family relocated to the Roxbury area.

She was a longtime member of St. Clare of Assisi Church where Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 6, 2021. Fr. George Gulash.

Friends received from 5-7 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown PA 15905. Interment, St. Anthony Cemetery, Geistown.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Arbutus Park Manor for their years of loving care to our mother and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown PA 15904; Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave, Windber PA 15963; or St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 110 Maple Avenue, Johnstown PA 15901 in Helen's memory.

Condolences and other information can be found at www.ducafuneralhome.com.

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