Harold E. Rizzuto

Harold Edwin Rizzuto, 85, of La Junta passed away on June 26, 2013, at Joni Fair House, Sangre de Cristo Hospice in Pueblo CO, with his daughters at his side after a long struggle with Alzheimers.
He was a life-long resident of La Junta. Harold was the second son of Louis and Margaret (Sciumbato) Rizzuto, born on October 17, 1927. His grandfather, Daniel Sciumbato, brought his wife and their first child, Margaret, from Italy to La Junta and operated a grocery store. He also homesteaded land south of town. The store and family home are now part of the Otero Museum complex. Harold’s father also immigrated to the United States from Italy. His parents owned the Quality Store in downtown La Junta.
He attended La Junta High School, graduating in 1946. In high school he played football and was an eagle scout and a chief with the Koshares. He then obtained a diploma in agriculture in 1948 from La Junta Junior College (now Otero Junior College) where he also played football, was on the boxing team, and a member of the R Club (Rattlers lettermen).
On October 24, 1950, he married Doris Marie Ricken, of La Junta. They have two daughters, Cindy and Linda.
Locally, Harold worked for Mason Wholesale and Wallace Oil. Until recent years, he could do almost anything mechanical for family and friends. He also served in the Colorado Army National Guard and was honorably discharged with more than 23 years of service. The Pueblo area veteran’s volunteer and high school ROTC honored him for his service during his stay at hospice.
An avid sportsman, he especially enjoyed fishing and hunting. His last elk hunting trip to the South Fork area was in the fall of 2011. He was a long time member of the NRA.
Harold was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris, of the home; daughter Cindy (Durant) Davidson of Castle Rock; daughter Linda (Doug) Manley of La Junta; brother Lloyd (Lorene) Rizzuto of South Fork; grandchildren Chrissy (Robert) See, Katherine Smith who shared his birthday, Aaron (Dawn) Olson, Nicole (Jerry) Hasty, Rebecca (Chris) Ramirez, and LeeAnna (Alex) Fabian; great-grandchildren Drew Long, Aspyn Long, Maddy See, Lexi See, Ashley Smith, Brody Smith, Clayton Hasty, Manley Ramirez, Audrey Fabian, and Harvey Fabian; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice in memory of Harold and with thanks for the good loving service they provide or charity of choice.
Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at the Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta on Monday, July 1, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon Doug Manley presiding at the Vigil and Carol Ricken leading the rosary. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Rocky Ford with Harold’s nephew Bishop David Ricken presiding and Fr. Paul Ekeh concelebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in  La Junta.