Richard James Pizzano

Richard James (Rick) Pizzano of Simi Valley, California passed away peacefully at age 69 on August 27, 2025. He was a cherished father, friend, companion, uncle, and brother whose generosity, patience, acceptance, love, and sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Rick was born on June 17, 1956 to Anthony William (“Bill”) Pizzano and Marie Veronica Pizzano and grew up in Watertown, Connecticut. Bill owned Village Service center in Thomaston, Connecticut, and Rick and his siblings often helped around the shop, fostering an early love of vintage vehicles. He graduated from Watertown High School, marrying Theresa Carpino of Watertown in 1979. They soon moved to southern California, where they welcomed their daughter Maria and he resided in Simi Valley until his passing.

He apprenticed in wallpaper installation with his uncle, ultimately becoming one of few still educated in the trade. He excelled at his craft, with prominent home decor designers and clients respecting his admirable attention to detail and work ethic.

Rick became an avid cyclist. He relished restoring vintage roadbikes, participating in several related local clubs (Moorpark Bike Rides, Channel Islands Bike Club, and Velo Retro), and bicycle touring throughout Italy. He will also be fondly remembered as a dog-whisperer (especially to his grand-pup Moose), gardener, yogi, and red sauce enthusiast who lived an active, kind, and meaningful life. He taught those around him to be more generous, to lead with more empathy, to embrace quiet moments, to eat good food, and live a full life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Marie and survived by Theresa, Maria, his six siblings (Anthony Jr. “Billy”, Gary, Patricia “Patti”, Susan “Sue”, John, and Pamela “Pam”), and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Chris Staley, Martin Hollander, Sue Piotrowski, and especially Pam Rick and Andrea Medina, for the love and care they have shown to Rick.

Rick’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 2-4pm at a Newbury Park, California residence. Family and friends are invited to attend; please RSVP at https://rickscelebrationoflife.rsvpify.com or call/text (805) 864-1534 by September 14 to confirm attendance and receive additional event details.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Rick to the Ellison Institute Research Foundation (https://eirf.org/donors/; (310) 601-3352). Their team provided exceptional care for Rick and ongoing innovative research projects continue to investigate therapeutics for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.