Ronald James Rizzo, aka "Ronzoni Rigatoni," 74, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 while surrounded by his family in Palmetto, Fla.

Born in North East, Pa., on Nov. 4, 1942, he attended Gannon College and received a bachelor's degree in political science in 1964.

He met Joyce Ferl and they married on July 4, 1965.

He worked for General Electric and eventually moved to Miami in 1972, where he began to work for the United States Customs Service as an inspector. He went on to become head of the National Treasury Employees Union in Miami, where he spent most of his career. After moving to Manatee County, he became Port Director of Port Manatee before he retired.

He had a passion for politics, playing the piano and for cartooning. His satirical work appeared as the cover of the monthly news magazine for the southeastern U.S. Customs division and often in local papers. He would say cartooning came easy to him because he used to have 21 lawyers working for him. He loved to make fun of himself and just about everything around him and his delightful irreverence is what made him who he was.

He was preceded in death by his father, John "Doggie" Rizzo; and his brother, David Rizzo.

He is survived by his mother, Freda M. Rizzo; daughters Leslie Rizzo-Armstrong, Lori Rizzo and Lynn Rizzo; his grandsons, Matthew and Christopher, and many family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in his hometown of North East, Pa., sometime next summer.