Mario Aldo Rizzardo

Mario Aldo Rizzardo 88, passed away September 29, 2011 peacefully at Madrone Hospice. He had been ill for 2 ½ years and his wife of 64 years, Vera, took excellent care of him in their home. Born to Marino Vittore and Ernesta Matilda Rizzado (together immigrated from Northern Italy) on April 21, 1923 in Weed, California. When Mario was 9 months old, the family moved to the ranch on Montague/Grenada Road. When Mario was only 12 years old, his father Marino passed away at age 39. Ernesta and their four children milked 40 head of cows by hand, raised pigs and managed to keep the ranch operating with help from a cousin, Joe “Ping” Morreto. At age 16, Mario be “spotting” cattle from Mr. Beaunda, an Italian friend who had a dairy in Los Angeles, CA. In 1942, as a senior in high school, he purchased the Layton Ranch across the road from the family ranch. In 1947, he married Vera Deas, had 3 children and continued on with the dairy tradition. He also worked for Pacific Packing Company (Bob Eiler) in Gazelle, CA for 7 ½ years. He was a buyer for Alpine Meats (Larry Yonker) for 14 years and bought and shipped cattle to Orland Livestock Commission Yard (Bo & Ed Lacque) for 50 years. Mario also bought and shipped cattle throughout Siskiyou and Klamath Counties for many great ranchers and friends. Many folks have complimented the family on how polite, kind, and honest Mario was to work with. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, the other love of his life was hunting. Every year the family would go hunting out of state, something Mario looked forward to all year. When he wasn’t hunting, he enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table with the family to re-tell and listen to hunting stories. The family will carry on this tradition with Mario looking upon them from heaven. Mario is survived by his wife Vera, son Ernest (Devanee), granddaughters Stephanie Rizzardo (Kayla, Jerry, Jaiden) and Bethanie Bray who is currently pregnant (Pistol, Brittany). Daughter Linda McKoen, grandson Billy Gallagher (Stacey) great grandsons Will and Wyatt, grandson Ryan Gallagher (Samantha who is currently pregnant) great grandson Garrett, grandson Chris McKoen (Loralee). Son Frank Rizzardo (Jennifer, Emma, Wyatt) grandson Mario Nathan Rizzardo (Jessica) great granddaughters Cailey and Callin, grandson Stephen Rizzardo (Natalie) great grandsons Sutter, Tanner, Steele and grandson Kyle Rizzardo (Marissa) great grandsons Klayton and Kolten. Brother Marino Rizzardo (Nola), sister Tersilla Precie (Mike), sister-in-laws Edna Rizzardo and Stella Sutter and many nieces, nephews and friends he loved dearly. At any given time, any of them could expect a little pinch on the cheek from Mario. Mario was pre-deceased by his father and mother, big brother John Rizzardo, son-in-law Mike McKoen, brother-in-law Marty Sutter and good friend Sonny Lynn. Mario was a very important piece of the puzzle that completed the strong Italian community of family which makes up a large part of Siskiyou County. He will be missed greatly….His memories will stay with us always. Services will be held Friday, October 7, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yreka. Rosary at 10:30 AM, Mass at 11:00 AM with potluck to follow at Montague Community Hall. Donations can be made to your favorite charity or Madrone Hospice House, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka.

Mario Aldo Rizzardo

April 21, 1923 - September 29, 2011