Rosarina Rizzato, the widow of fallen Chicago Police Officer Anthony Rizzato, passed away on June 9 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Her life took a tragic turn in the summer of 1970 when her husband and his partner, Sgt. Jim Severin, were killed in the line of duty, an event that sent shockwaves throughout the city and the nation.
The two officers were engaging with the community during a ‘walk and talk’ duty outside the Cabrini-Green public housing complex when they were struck down by sniper fire. At the time of her husband’s death, Mrs. Rizzato was a dedicated mother to her 6-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter.
On that fateful day, as her children played in their Lincoln Square yard, the devastating news arrived, delivered by police officials and a priest. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Rosarina discovered an inner strength that surprised even her children.
Her son, Anthony, recalls, “She found the strength to be a single parent. She never remarried, never dated, after my dad died. Her view was, ‘I’m your wife for the rest of my life.'”
Mrs. Rizzato devoted herself entirely to raising her children, refusing romantic interests and focusing on her role as their primary caregiver.
Rosa Rizzato, her daughter, added, “She did everything that, as a child, you don’t know about and take for granted.”
In the wake of her husband’s murder, Rosarina took on the challenges of life alone, learning to drive and filling in for the roles her husband had once fulfilled.
Mrs. Rizzato maintained a deep commitment to her family’s way of life, symbolized by her husband’s police star, which she displayed in her living room alongside a painting of him in uniform.
Despite the pain of her loss, Rosarina exhibited remarkable compassion. After the perpetrators of the crime— a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man—were convicted, she expressed no bitterness toward them. Her son noted her philosophical nature, saying, “She was philosophical and religious, and she said she felt sorry for them that that was their path in life.”
The Rizzato family chose to embody their father’s legacy by helping others and focusing on positivity rather than harboring hatred. “Our dad thought he could go into Cabrini-Green and improve lives, make a difference,” Rosa said, reflecting on her mother’s dedication to honoring her husband through a life well-lived.
Rosarina was born in a small Italian town on December 23, 1939, to a butcher and a homemaker. She met her husband while he was visiting relatives in Italy. Their love story unfolded under the watchful eyes of chaperones before they were married a few months later, relocating to the United States soon afterward.
Their union altered her original plans to serve as a Catholic missionary in Africa. “They were such a loving couple. We were blessed to grow up with that. Even though it wasn’t very long,” Rosa reminisced.
Mrs. Rizzato was known for her warmth and hospitality; her home was a gathering place for friends, neighbors, and even Catholic nuns, who frequently joined her for coffee and homemade cookies.
Her son recalled humorous moments from his youth when he would come home with dates, only to find that his mother was entertaining nuns at the dinner table, showcasing the open and inclusive environment she fostered.
Despite her affable nature, she was also practical and community-minded. When young renters in her two-flat approached her about increasing their rent, she would respond, “You’re wonderful tenants. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Rosarina eventually moved to Peterson Park in 1978 and later to a condo in Lake Forest, but her core values remained unchanged as she expertly balanced raising her children with nurturing a loving home.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Rizzato was forthright about her imperfections as a parent. “She’d say, ‘I wasn’t the perfect parent, I didn’t do everything right.’ But she tried, and we think she did a pretty good job,” her daughter reflected.
The support that the Rizzato family received from her husband’s colleagues and organizations such as the 100 Club of Illinois left a lasting impact on them.
Anthony noted, “The police department never stepped away from us.”
In addition to her son and daughter, Rosarina Rizzato is survived by three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her life is celebrated by all those she touched, with services held in her honor.
image source from：chicago
