Holly Diane Rizzo's Obituary
Holly Rizzo, 70, passed away February 7 in San Bernardino, California. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, the oldest of three children, Holly grew up in the Detroit area. She loved learning, writing, outdoor activities and people.
At the time of her passing, she was a Department of Communications lecturer at California State University – Fullerton.
Her professional career began as a reporter for The Oakland Press in Michigan. Her next stop was at the Buffalo News and then the Arizona Republic.
She arrived in California as a reporter and columnist at the Riverside-Press Enterprise, then as features editor of The Desert Sun in Palm Springs.
From there she headed north as an editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. Along the way she did freelance work, writing for numerous publications. She returned to southern California to teach at CSUF as a part-time lecturer in 2002.
Her heart’s desire was to teach students how to excel in writing and uphold a high ethical standard.
In her spare time, she enjoyed camping and sharing her home with two cats, where she had the peace and quiet of mountain living. She is survived by her cats, a brother and volumes of articles and columns.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Consider a gift to the Sepsis Alliance (sepsis.org) in her name.
What’s your fondest memory of Holly?
What’s a lesson you learned from Holly?
Share a story where Holly's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Holly you’ll never forget.
How did Holly make you smile?

