James Thomas Rizza Jr. (“Jimmy”), 57, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2026, following a tragic act of violence.
Above all else, Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the kind of person who never said no to someone he loved, always putting others before himself and making everyone around him feel cared for. He was a warm, steady presence; a safe place for people to land. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
For 27 years, Jimmy shared a life filled with love and laughter with his beloved wife, Karin. Together, they built a family rooted in unconditional love, strength, and countless cherished memories. Jimmy radiated love in everything he did, and those who knew him felt it effortlessly. His greatest joy in life was being a father to his daughters, Daniela and Juliana. His proudest role was being “a girl dad” and making his family happy.
Jimmy believed life was meant to be lived to the fullest. His senior quote from high school was a lyric from Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears: “Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back.” Those words became the way he lived; embracing every moment with gratitude, laughter, and an appreciation for the people he loved. He taught those around him that life is precious and far too short.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Karin (Barooshian) Rizza; his daughters, Daniela and Juliana Rizza; devoted son of James Rizza Sr. and his significant other, Florence Lynch; cherished sister, Catherine Walsh and her husband Thomas; caring uncle to, Sean and Colin Walsh, Nelson, Roland and Maya Barnett, Taline and Serena Antoine, Brother in law to Nancy and Gordon Barnett and Suzanne and Pete Antoine. He leaves behind his beloved dogs, Coco and Chloe.
There are simply no words that could ever capture the life Jimmy lived or the love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the family and friends who will carry his love with them always.
Jimmy will be loved forever, missed beyond measure, and remembered every single day.
The family's preferred expression of sympathy is a donation to Newton South Athletics Booster Club or Mattapoisett Police Department
Newton South Athletics Booster Club
Attn: Dance Team
140 Brandeis Road
Newton Massachusetts 02459
or
Mattapoisett Police Department
64 County Road
Mattapoisett Massachusetts 02739
Calling hours in the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton, on Tuesday, July 14 from 4-8pm. Funeral Mass Wednesday morning at 10:30am at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington St, Newton. Burial to follow at Newton Cemetery.