Gene “Geno” Rizzuto passed away suddenly on March 7, 2025, in afternoon following a medical emergency in his car. Gene was friendly and loving to all. A true gentleman who was a very close friend to many in Western PA. An old-school born and raised Yinzer who loved his family, friends, Pittsburgh sports and music. He was a longtime resident of Pittsburg, PA where he attended Central Catholic High School and went to Business Information Science at University of Pittsburgh and School of Computer Technology, Pittsburgh, PA. Gene Rizzuto worked at Federated Investors and owned at IPES International Inc.
Gene and his best friend John Dusch created The Mobile Tailgate Unit over 30 years ago and were the first Pennsylvania tailgate group to be Enshrined in The Tailgate Hall of Fame. He was always welcoming to all with a big hug, especially to fans of visiting teams.
Geno has been my Happy Hour buddy at Mineo’s Pizza House for the past seven years. I am beyond the capacity to think straight right now. We always told each other how much we loved each other, everytime we saw each other, but somehow it doesn’t seem like enough right now. His Legacy is Love.
Sam Notovitz remembered him “
I grew up on Lilac Street in Greenfield. My neighbor Gene Rizzuto was one of the reasons I got into cars. He was there as kind of like a dad when I was growing up. From ball busting, passing on knowledge of how to fix and work on things, to just being an ear when things were bad. Rest easy old friend. I hope there are drag strips up there…You will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.“
Ed Jenkins’s message reads “
Gene Rizzuto… What can I say but this young man, he was definitely cut from a different cloth. As tears are building as I’m trying to explain, but do I really need to…..I think that all the people who know Gene, know what a GREAT person he was.. What a GREAT person he was to be around. Me myself have nothing but GREAT MEMORIES of this young man Gene. This friendship to me was GENUINE, like with everyone he knew..
Can’t say enough. Always a fun time, always smiling and caring for other people. He always made me laugh every time you come and see, THE BRUISERS… He was my sign man from the audience.”
