Obituary of Margaret Hannon-Rizza

Margaret “Peggy” Hannon-Rizza, Director of Parks and Recreation in Billerica, passed away at her home on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2014. The beloved wife of the late Michael L. Rizza, who passed away on January 30, 2014, she was 60 years old. Peggy was born in Chicago, IL. She was the oldest of nine children born to the late Francis and Florence Hannon. Peggy was raised and educated in Burlington. She was a 1971 graduate of Burlington High School and a member of the prestigious Burlington Athletic Hall of Fame which she was inducted in 2005. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northeastern University graduating in 1976. Peggy worked for number schools before having a 12 year career at the Fernald State School in Waltham as a Recreational Therapist and as Director of Recreational Services. Peggy and Michael settled in Billerica in the mid 80’s where they would raise their son Andrew and become an active part of the community. Peggy began her involvement with the Recreation Department in 1985 when she served as one of the town’s Recreation Commissioners. This was the start of a “passion” for Peggy that would span over 25 years. In 1995 she became the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and in 2006 she was appointed Director. Peggy was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Lampson Complex which she did by working countless hours on the design of the complex, raising funds and obtaining grants. All this she did with passion and love for her town and job. In recognition of all she has done for the town and recreation, on January 25, 2014 the town renamed the Lampson Complex to the Peggy Hannon-Rizza Complex. Peggy’s husband Michael, son Andrew and many members of the Hannon family where present for the ceremony. When Peggy was told of this award her response was “I don’t need any special recognition – I was just doing my job”. Due to Peggy’s nomination, in 2004 Sports Illustrated selected Billerica as the States Sportstown USA one of only 50 selected to represent the USA. She was involved in many other organizations, committee and events within the town of Billerica too numerous to mention. Peggy was the recipient of a number of awards such as the 1994 MRPA Therapeutic Recreation Branch Professional of the Year, 1998 BGSA Don Donati Memorial Presidents Award, 2001 Yankee Clipper Boy Scouts Greater Lowell Spark Plug Award, 2001 Joe Trapassso Program Excellence Award, 2003 Boy Scout Troop 55 Recognition Award, 2004/2005 Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Association President’s Citation, 2005 River Stewardship Award for Volunteer Efforts, 2006 Billerica Boys and Girls Club Woman of the Year, 2012 American Cancer Society Award for Outstanding Role Model, 2012 Greater Lowell Health Alliance Civic Excellence Award, 2012 National Recreation & Park Association’s New England Council Dorothy Mullen Small Community Arts Award and in 2014 the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association Peter C. O’Brien Humanitarian Award. Peggy, her husband Michael and their son Andrew loved to camp. They traveled throughout the United States as well as Canada. One of their most memorable trips was after Andrew’s graduation from Northeastern University when they took at three week trip to the west coast. The memory of their trips is displayed throughout the Hannon-Rizza home through many of Michael’s pictures. Her son Andrew learned about volunteerism at an early age as he was always by his mom’s side at countless recreation events. Peggy was blessed to be one of nine children and having a wonderful and close relationship with all her brothers and sisters. As one member of the Billerica community was quoted saying in a recent article about Peggy – “Everyone who works here, lives here, and plays here – has Peggy as part of their lives”. Peggy was the beloved wife of the late Michael L. Rizza, who passed away on Jan. 30. She was he devoted and proud mother of Andrew Hannon-Rizza of Billerica. Peggy was the sister of Charles, William and John Hannon all of Billerica, Thomas Hannon of FL, Patricia Griffin of Burlington, Theresa Hannon of Billerica, formerly of Burlington, and the late Stephen & Ronald Hannon. Sister-in-law of Karen Hannon of Billerica, Gleora Atkinson of Tewksbury, David Rizza of Burlington and Robert Rizza of Waltham. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 796 Boston Road, Billerica at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials in Peggy’s name may be made to Friends of Billerica Recreation, 248 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821.