Louis Frank Petrizzi Jr. Obituary
Louis Frank Petrizzi, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025 at Notre Dame Convalescent Home in Norwalk, CT. Born in Greenwich, CT, he was the son of the late Louis and Mildred (Constantino) Petrizzi, and raised in an extended family where love, faith and education were the foundation of his life.
In 1967, Lou graduated from Greenwich High School and went on to college in Colorado, graduating from Adams State College, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Upon graduation, Lou moved to Chicago where he continued his postgraduate studies, and began his career in education in middle school, teaching students with special needs. He later transitioned to Maine East High School in Park Ridge, IL, where he taught students with learning and behavioral disabilities. An avid tennis player, Lou helped to build the Girls' Junior Varsity and Varsity Tennis teams as a coach for 33 years, until his retirement.
Lou distinguished himself as an educator, earning recognition from colleagues for his thoughtful collaboration and professionalism. Whether in the classroom, or on the tennis court, his dedication to student success was demonstrated by his ability to inspire and support students to achieve their personal best, while instilling and developing kindness and respect for others. Honoring his distinction as a respected educator, Lou was featured in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
In addition to his parents, Lou was predeceased by his beloved partner, JoAnn Johnson. Together, they found love and companionship and shared a deep devotion to family. They took great pride in their home in Lake Forest, IL, where they treasured time spent with family and friends enjoying and celebrating holidays and special events, JoAnn as chef and Lou as the grill master.
Beyond his professional career, Lou's life was filled with many interests and activities, which he shared with JoAnn. They loved to travel throughout the US and abroad, and spent many vacations relaxing on Hilton Head Island, SC. They enjoyed all that the vibrant city of Chicago offered, and took great pleasure being tour guides for all who visited.
Lou was a lifelong sports enthusiast who enjoyed supporting and attending games for his favorite Chicago teams. He was a passionate fan of the New York Mets and the UConn Huskies Women's Basketball team.
In retirement, Lou and JoAnn were actively involved in their community, volunteering for meaningful causes, and pursuing learning programs and activities at the Lake Forest Library and Senior Center. Upon JoAnn's passing in 2019, Lou returned to his home in Greenwich, CT.
He is survived by his loving sister, Geraldine Petrizzi Pongonis of Norwalk, CT; stepdaughter, Kimberly Johnson Chavarria and husband, Cris, of Pasadena, CA; stepson, Paul David Johnson and wife, Camila, of Winnetka, IL; and grandchildren, Chase, Connor and Kyle Chavarria, Paul (P.J.) and Eli Johnson, and several cousins and members of the extended DeBenedetto family.
Lou was a humble gentleman whose warm and generous spirit will be fondly remembered for the love, kindness and unwavering devotion he gave to his family, friends and students. His proudest achievement was the gift of life he gave as a kidney donor to his beloved, JoAnn.
We wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to family and friends who have given love and support, and for the compassionate care that he received from the entire Notre Dame and Constellation Hospice staff.
A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 219 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT, followed by a reception in the Great Room at St. Matthew Church.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to: Notre Dame SSTV Capital Improvement Fund, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851, or the St. Matthew Church Food Pantry, 219 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854.
