Flagler Schools mourns passing of Joe Rizzo

The Flagler County Education Foundation is heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Joe Rizzo.

He not only led the Foundation but transformed the organization in his five-year tenure, more than tripling the Foundation’s overall assets and doubling the number of students in the Take Stock in Children Mentoring Program. His passion for helping the entire Flagler County community, but especially the students and teachers of Flagler Schools, seeped through his pores and was evident in everything he did. Joe not only dedicated his time at the Foundation to increase its assets and influence on students’ lives, but he also taught and led a team that would stand by him to achieve his goals.

Joe is one of the rare few who grew up in Flagler County, graduating from Flagler-Palm Coast High School in 1994. Joe graduated from Mars Hill University in North Carolina, where he played football and met his wife, Teresa. He returned to Flagler County in 1999 and began his first of many business ventures as a partner in the local Woody’s Bar-B-Que.

He first sat on the Flagler County Education Board of Directors at the request of former Flagler Schools Superintendent Bill Delbrugge, eventually becoming the board president. Joe’s tenure has seen five presidents, including our current president, Dr. Jennifer Thornton, also a graduate of Flagler Palm Coast High School. All of whom were inspired by Joe to give back to his beloved hometown. As a member of the 18th Leadership Flagler class, he, along with Carla Cline, launched the Josh Crews Writing Project, which is now in its 10th year. This project has made it possible for close to 1,000 Flagler Schools’ students to be published.

Joe is survived by his wife Teresa, son Joseph, daughter Caroline, and sister Krista. The family asks for your support as they grieve. Additional details about services will be released at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to the Flagler County Education Foundation. FlaglerEdFoundation.org.

—Flagler County Education Foundation

Flagler Schools pays tribute to Joe Rizzo

Everyone within Flagler Schools is shocked and saddened by the news today of the passing of Joe Rizzo, Executive Director of the Flagler County Education Foundation. It’s a job he’s held for five years.

Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said, “First and foremost, my heart goes out to Teresa, Joseph and Caroline. I know they have so many people in our community who have already stepped in to help where they can. Joe was Flagler County. His ability to speak with people, no matter their background or upbringing, his larger-than-life personality, and his passion for Flagler Schools. If you look up the word ‘iconic,’ Joe’s picture would be smiling back at you. I had the opportunity to watch Joe hand out grant checks to our teachers. It was easy to see in those moments that his passion was in helping everyone associated with Flagler Schools. This is a huge blow, not only for us within our district, but for all of Flagler County.”

Flagler County School Board Chairman Trevor Tucker stated, “I, as well as the other members of the School Board, am stunned by this news and lift up Teresa, Joseph and Caroline in our prayers. Joe’s legacy has a far-reaching impact. If there was an opportunity to support a program in Flagler Schools over the past two decades, Joe Rizzo had a hand in it. His work with Carla Cline in creating the Josh Crews Writing Project has given so many of our students a voice. Joe and the team he built within the Flagler County Education Foundation became a vital role in the success of our district. Personally, I am honored to have called him my friend.”

—Flagler County Schools