Anthony Joseph Rizzo Jr., 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 17th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, MO, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial at 1:00 p.m. Graveside with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. The family kindly requests no flowers. Instead, those wishing to honor Tony, may make a contribution to The American Heart Association.
Tony was born March 23, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Anthony Joseph and Mary (Passantino) Rizzo Sr. He married Phyllis Ann Folsom on August 9, 1971. Tony was a barber for almost 60 years. In that time, he owned Midway Barber Shop in Kansas City, MO, and Captains Quarters in Independence, MO. He worked at Englewood Barber Shop with his brother Don and also worked with his best friend, Hank Gioia, at Hank of Hair in Brookside. Tony was an avid golfer, and enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing with his girls Lisa, Alyssa, Mila, and Harley, and his grandkids. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and was of Catholic faith.
Tony’s survivors include his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Rizzo of the home; two sons: Kenneth Scott Sexton (Terry) of Oak Grove, MO, and Perry Joseph Rizzo (Fien) of Independence, MO; four grandchildren: Jennifer McDaniel (Jon) of Odessa, MO, Beth Black (Steven) of Oak Grove, MO, Justen Holder of Raytown, MO, and Victor Abel of Kansas City, MO; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers: Tom Rizzo (Pat) of North Kansas City, MO, and Don Rizzo of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was also the Godfather of Jo Carol Serrone Cascone. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leonard Rizzo, and sister Carrie Frew.
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri
Christopher Miceli
16 Feb 2026I remember him from family gatherings when I was young, Frances and Sam Rizzo would host, or be invited to, a gathering or holiday event and the Miceli’s would be right there alongside. Outside of those times our paths never crossed; but family, in the end, is family and I am sure that he will be sorely missed by every soul he touched along his journey…
Camille Buccero
17 Feb 2026Phyllis, My heartfelt condolences. Tony was a special man to Larry, gave him his last hair cut before he died. I know how much you will miss him. God bless you and family. Love, Camille Buccero
Joseph L Rizzo
16 Feb 2026Sorry we can’t be there. Uncle Tony will truly be missed (especially his smile and laugh). You’re in our prayers. We will visit soon. Love, from Wisconsin
Larry and Mazie
18 Feb 2026So sorry for your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you !! I know he will be missed !! Love Larry and Mazie