Published December 18, 2019
U.S. Navy veteran, owned several Dunkin’ Donuts franchises
LYNNFIELD — Gioacchino “Jack” Francis Rizzo, 85, of Lynnfield and Rockport, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was the beloved husband of Deanna (Cantarano) Rizzo, with whom he shared almost 50 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Stanley and Saveria (Maffei) Rizzo. He was the loving father of Gia Leach and her husband Russell of Lynnfield; Dante’ Rizzo of Winchester; and Adriana Wheeler and her husband Allan of Reading. He was the cherished grandfather of Dario and Gianna Leach; and Matteo and Massimo Wheeler. He was the dear brother of Alfonso Rizzo and his late wife Lois of Arizona; Anne-Marie Sweeney and her late husband Bob of Maryland, Stanley Rizzo Jr. and his wife Theodora of Florida; and Lorraine Rizzo of Centerville. He was the uncle of several nieces and nephews.
Jack graduated from Lynn Classical High School with the Class of 1951. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and his master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. After college, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Amphion. Jack owned and operated several Dunkin’ Donuts franchises, opening the first of his many locations in 1964. As a Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisee, he served on several boards such as the Regional Advisory Council and Advertising Committee. In addition, Jack’s philanthropic work through Dunkin’ Donuts touched many students’ lives in the Malden Public Schools and community.
Jack was active on the Finance Committee in Lynnfield for many years. He coached multiple Lynnfield youth sports teams and was the president of the Lynnfield High Sports Boosters Club. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed boating, fishing and skiing. Some of his favorite memories were spent on Long Beach in Rockport with his family during the summer. In his retirement, his passion became making wine for his family and friends. He enjoyed gifting it for special occasions as much as drinking it with loved ones. Jack was most happy spending time with his family.
Visiting hours were held at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn on Tuesday, Dec. 17. A funeral was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield. Burial followed in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, Summer Camp, 25 N. Common Street, Lynn, MA 01902 or via www. bgcl.org. To share a memory or leave online condolences, visit www.cuffemcginn.com.
