Obituary of Patricia Lee Rizas

Patricia Lee Rizas, 79, of Neptune City was born at home on Ocean Parkway in Bradley Beach, close to sand and sea and she departed this earth in her home built by her adoring husband surrounded by the same water that welcomed her.

Patricia was a woman of faith who possessed many loves and joys.  Her devotion to her husband, three daughters and son-in-law, and three grandchildren was endless.  Family always came first.  Her home was where countless holidays and simple celebrations took place, to be without Patricia at a festivity was to have no festivity at all.  Her love of her friends, many from her childhood, speaks volumes of the type of person she was.  She met you always with a brilliant smile, a note of laughter and a sparkle in those large, adoring eyes.

With her husband Robert, celebrating 58 years of marriage this November, she created a love story of strength and triumph.  Together they raised their three daughters and faced every challenge presented to them with bravery and strength. 

Their daughter, Stacey, taught Patricia and her family to be warriors for those who have needs greater than themselves.  It is through her selflessness and determination to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, that her family shares this gauntlet.

Patricia leaves us with our promise to continue to live as she did, confronting each challenge with grace and the fierceness of a lioness.  To continue to make joyful memories in her honor are her husband, Robert; daughters, Stefanie and son-in-law, Kevin O’Donnell, Stacey and Alexandra; and her beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Leigh Kelsey, Dylon and Nikolaos O’Donnell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Patricia may be directed to VNA of Central Jersey Hospice/VNA Health Group, Attention: Philanthropy Department, 23 Main Street, Suite D1, Holmdel, NJ 07733.  The Rizas family thanks the VNA for their loving care of Patricia.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 907 4^th Avenue, Spring Lake on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM with her funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be private.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com