Lou "The Shoe" Rizzo

Louis “Lou The Shoe” Rizzo, 96 of Mahwah, passed peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Villa Marie Claire Hospice after a courageous battle with leukemia.  Even at 96, Lou’s vibrant spirit made him seem younger, and his unwavering honesty and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Lou’s rich history was recently honored by the Wyckoff Township Committee, celebrating a life well lived.  Born in East Harlem in 1928, to Rose and “Paddy” Rizzo, Lou’s early years were marked by hard work and a love for boxing.  He shined shoes and sold newspapers outside Radio City Music Hall, eventually enlisting in the Merchant Marines and the Army, where he won a boxing championship in Germany and served as Sports Director.

Lou fell in love and married Dolores, moving to Wyckoff in 1956 to start their lives together.  He became a fixture in the community, opening a shoe repair shop and joining the Wyckoff Fire Department in 1957.  Known affectionately as “Lou the Shoe”, his sense of humor, dedication and love for life made him a beloved figure in town.

For 65 years, Lou’s dedication to the Wyckoff Fire Department and his community were unparalleled.  His life was filled with camaraderie and joy, always valuing the underrecognized contributions of his fellow volunteers who risk their lives for others.  Lou’s commitment to truth and service were evident in all he did.

Lou’s resilience and positivity were truly remarkable, never once showing fear of the inevitable.  He embraced the truth of life with an open heart, finding comfort in the belief that what awaits him is a place of unbounded freedom and beauty.  Over the past twenty years, he and his friend Bill shared deep conversations about life and death, ensuring he would never fear his journey’s end.  Though his passing brings sadness, Lou is now free from pain and has joined his loved ones.

Lou’s legacy is one of deep love and compassion for his family.  He is survived by his four children, Louis, Jr. and his wife Deborah, Lawrence P. and his wife Jodi, Laura and her husband Patrick Dennis and Lisa and her husband Murray Trapp. Lou was a proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, Melissa (James), Louis III (Rebecca), Meghan (Brandon), Jennifer, Thomas, Richard and Kayla and great grandfather to 5 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his good friends William and Maureen Laforet.  Lou was predeceased by the love of his life and wife for 65 years, Dolores, in 2020.

When it was time to find a hospice facility, Lou’s friend Bill and his wife Maureen were anxious, but with the help of Valley Hospital’s doctors found Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River.  From the moment they walked in, they knew it was the perfect place for Lou.  A place where he received the care he deserved.

Lou leaves us with a smile and a clear heart, knowing he always told the truth.  His legacy of love, honesty and community service will forever be remembered by all that knew him.

Visiting hours for Lou are 2:00 to 6:30pm on Wednesday, November 6, followed by a service at 6:30 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lou’s name may be made to Protection Fire Co 1, PO Box 232, Wyckoff, NJ  07481.

Instagram post from Wyckoff Fire Department

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lou "The Shoe" Rizzo, please visit our floral store.