Joseph H. Bizzarro, Sr.

Florence- Joseph H. Bizzarro Sr., 89, passed away on December 22, 2024 at Rutland Regional Medical Center with his son by his side. Joe was born in Rutland, VT on May 12, 1935 to Charles and Philomena (Garafano) Bizzarro. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1953 where he was a three sport standout athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. Joe went on to become a devoted coach at Bennington Catholic, St. Peter’s, and MSJ where he became known throughout the Rutland and Vermont basketball communities as a great mentor, teacher and friend. Joe’s passing means Rutland and Vermont basketball lost a true treasure.

Joe married the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbi), at St. Peter’s Church in 1955 where they spent over 62 wonderful years together before she passed away. Together they enjoyed playing Trivia Pursuit with a group of their close friends, hosting family gatherings, and being a large part of their grandchildren’s lives. Joe worked for Farrell Distributing for many years and then went on to become a friendly face behind the counter of Terrill Street Discount and Beverage Center until his retirement. Joe also loved to play as many rounds of golf as he could at  Neshobe and Proctor Pittsford.

Joe continued his love for coaching where he went on to coach his granddaughters (Julia and Abby) throughout grade school and AAU basketball. Joe loved bringing his competitive spirit to the sidelines of his local grandkids and was the biggest cheerleader, from afar, for his grandkids in Colorado.  His family will miss his bigger-than-life personality at all family gatherings.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Wheatly) Bizzarro, his parents, his siblings: Anthony Bizzarro, Mary (Bizzarro) Foti, Louise (Bizzarro) Medlin, John Bizzarro, his identical twin brother, Frank Bizzarro, and his step-grandson Ben Cook.

Joe is survived by his children Joe (Cherie) Bizzarro Jr. of Rutland, VT and Kim (David) Cook of Lamar, CO, his grandchildren Jessica (Scott) McTaggart of Northglenn, CO, Christopher Branes of Lamar, CO, Julia (Peter) Matheson of Unity, NH, Abigail Bizzarro of Folsom, PA, two step-grandchildren, Nick Cook of Syracuse, KS, and Brett Cook of Tribune, KS, and great-grandchildren Liam and Leif McTaggart of Northglenn, CO. Joe is also survived by his caregiver and adored niece Leslie Kelly of Brandon, VT, several nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Saint Joseph Academy Athletic Association, Convent Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701.

At his request, there will be no services and a celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.