Leslie S. Rizzo

Leslie Samuel Rizzo, 80, of Pasadena, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020 after a lengthy battle with dementia. He passed as he did most things in life, with his loving wife Margaret right beside him. He was born February 9, 1940 in Baltimore, MD to Nello & Lucy Rizzo. He graduated from Kenwood High School in 1957. Les studied electrical engineering in Chicago, served the Army in the Korean War, settled back in Maryland and alongside Margie founded Pastore’s Delicatessen of Mountain Road in 1966. Married 54 years on their most recent anniversary, he is survived by his devoted wife Margaret Mary Rizzo (nee Johns); daughter Michella Maria Connolly and her husband Patrick G. Connolly; daughter Christina Maria Cain and her fiancé Francis Kamp, Jr.; Grandchildren Ayden J., Brendan C. and Megan J. Heptner and Christopher P. Connolly; and 3 great-grandchildren. Les is also survived by his loving sister Joan Gill of Eldersburg, MD and Marlene and Robert Cysyk. He is additionally survived by brother in law Ed Johns and his wife Donna, sister in law Kathie Lee and her husband Greg and sister in law Patricia Smith. Les is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends too numerous to count. He was predeceased by his dear son in law, Paul Francis Cain, III. Pastore’s Delicatessen of Mountain Road was Les & Margie’s much loved Pasadena business and “third child”. In 1987, as the business had outgrown its proud, original building, the couple opened Pastore’s Plaza. The business was always held in the highest regard, much in part due to the character, kindness and generosity of “Mr. Les”. He felt proud and fortunate to be the first employer of so many. Customers, family members, students and professionals enjoyed their time with Les at Pastore’s. Very true to say that Les is also survived by many of his “Pastore’s Kids” – Michella and Tina had many “siblings” growing up alongside them in the store. Les felt very blessed. He was a true, pure Baltimore sports fan; he enjoyed the Colts, the O’s and Ravens – win or lose. Many were blessed to get the “extra ticket” invite to a game with Les after a long day behind the deli counter. Les LOVED to win, he was especially fond of beating his children and grandchildren at card and board games. He loved to travel. He and Margie enjoyed many wonderful trips with friends and family: MD/DE beaches, Las Vegas, Disney World (with kids, grandkids, parents, in laws……), Grand Canyon, cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Northeastern US, Canada, Europe and the Mediterranean. He spent time in vacation homes in Ocean City and Mexico. He always said he felt blessed to have seen everything in the world he wanted to see, “and then some”. He loved playing cards and bowling (and again, winning) with family and friends. He also loved golf, but would tell you that golf did not love him, although there is such a thing as a “Rizzo Bounce” and it is a good thing. Truly a life well lived. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 there are no plans for formal services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to Bello Machre (443-702-3000), 7765 Freetown Road, Glen Burnie MD 21060 or online: https://bellomachre.org/ways-to-give/donate/donation-form/

Leslie S. Rizzo

February 9, 1940 - November 19, 2020