HUDSON FALLS – Beverly Ann (Rivette) Spizzo, 84, died May 24, 2020, at her home, after a brief fight with cancer.
She was born October 23, 1935, the oldest child to Wilma (Reede) and Walter Rivette, Sr., in Fair Haven, Vermont.
She graduated from Whitehall High School in 1954, after being named queen of the prom that year.
Beverly started working at the Dairy Bar in Whitehall, where she met John V. Spizzo, Jr. On May 22, 1955 they were married at Our Lady of Angels Church in Whitehall. Beverly and John were married for 65 years.
While John finished his military service at Sampson Airforce base in Seneca Lake, Beverly was a homemaker. When they settled in Whitehall, she worked for a coat and clothing manufacturer in Whitehall.
In 1965, Bev and John moved to Hudson Falls. She worked for Erlangers Fashion in Queensbury, Price Chopper in Glens Falls and finished her working career at her favorite job as cashier in the Hudson Falls High School cafeteria. She loved chatting with all the students.
While in Hudson Falls, Bev was John’s “assistant” as he ran the American Legion Baseball Team. “Ma”, as the players called her, always had an extra sandwich, soda or her famous spaghetti and meatballs to serve them.
Beverly was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Walter Rivette, Jr., her sister, Michele Fuller and her sisters in law, Madeline Russo, Loretta Spizzo and her brother in law, John Long.
She is survived by her husband, John Spizzo of Hudson Falls; her daughter and best friend, Debbie and her husband, Michael LaPan of South Glens Falls; she is also survived by her greatest pride and joys, her grandson, Kristopher and his wife, Carrie of Saratoga and her grandson, Kameron of New Albany, Ohio., Gram never missed a soccer, baseball, lacrosse, hockey game, concert, play or any activity her beloved grandsons participated in. Bev is also survived by her siblings, William (Gloria) Rivette of Berea, Ohio, Joan (George) Durett of Queensbury, Joseph (Marty) Sorrentino of Colchester, VT, Marina (Richard) Bolster of Malone and Nancy Long of Hadley Luzerne; her sister in law, Elaine Rivette of Lake George; her brother in law, Charles Fuller of Glens Falls and her brother in law, Anthony Spizzo (Jackie Russo) of South Glens Falls and Largo, Florida. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Anyone who met mom knew her as a woman with a heart of gold. She had an infectious personality, always laughing, joking and talking with anyone she met.
A very special thank you to, Aunt Nancy, who spent every other Sunday with Mom, for the last 10 years. They laughed, reminisced, ate and cleaned out lots of stuff. Thank you to her, Aunt Marina and Aunt Joan, who helped with mom at the difficult end.
Donations in Beverly’s memory may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Mrs Spizz. A wonderful Lady. Was like family. I played legion back in the 80’s and still occasionally stopped to see her and Spizz. Especially back in the day when I would stop on Saturdays during football season and there would always seem to be a pot on the stove with wonderful food. I remember the party she organized at the legion for John years back. Always a smile on her face. Had to be a saint to put up with John all these years!! She was a local legend for many reasons. You will be missed Mrs Spizz.
Lee and I are so sorry for the Spizzo family. What a wonderful woman and fond memories we have from our summer days with the American Legion family. We often think about Coach and Mrs. Spiz and cherish our moments from those summers. The two of you built an extended family throughout the region and we will all miss her laugh, smile and especially her voice. Wonderful lady!!!
Joe and Lee Sandora
I had the pleasure to work with Bev in the HF School Nutrition Service. Bev truly cared about our students and was happy to serve them with a warm smile and cheerful disposition. She was a valued member of our staff. I have no doubt she is in fond memories of many alumni of Hudson Falls.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Jane Pepin
My sincere condolences to the Spizzo family. The support and love that Mrs. Spizzo and John gave to the boys of summer while barnstorming the region remains as one of my most cherished memories. I always had the opportunity to travel with Mrs. Spizzo and John in their air conditioned Cadillac for the away games. She spoiled us all and certainly kept John in line. Time and age will often blur the past; however, what remains crystal clear is the time, sacrifice and love Mrs. Spizzo gave to the region’s ballplayers. Dan (Sully) and Diane Sullivan
Wanted to echo the thoughts of the two responses above…I, too, have many fond memories of Mrs. Spizz while playing ball for Spizz…Such wonderful memories of her vibrant personality, welcoming smile and always making even newcomers to the team feel as welcome as the vets…Mrs Spizz left an indelible imprint on me which I’m grateful for…Chambo
Bev you will be missed I looked forward to seeing you in the salon , you were always so fun ❤️❤️ Rip sweetheart 😢 Teresa goldman
John and Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It was wonderful getting together with Bev and the class of 54 at the luncheons. She always had a story about John (Junior as we knew him). Rest In Peace my friend.
John, Debbie and family–
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andy Watkins
Bev was a caring soul to all. Paul and I followed our boys as they played Legion Baseball with John and Bev. Our trips were always filled with laughter and friendship win or lose. The boys always looked to them as special people in their life. Bev always had a smile and a story when I would see her at school or in a store and always remembered each of “her boys”. She touched many lives.
The Andrejkovics
John and Debbie,
I don’t know if you remember me but for John I am Loren Sullivan’s daughter Marcia. And Debbie you came to Maine with us one time . I am so sorry for your loss . I have fond memories of your mom from all the Sandy Hill family events . She is now flying high with the angels . I also took care of your cousin Margaret at Wilton she was my Favorite client and got to be friends with her mom.
Mr. Spizzo, Debbie and family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mrs Spizzo always had a smile and laugh every time I saw her. I am sure she will be missed by many.
Deb, John and family.
The Ibby’s send our sincere condolences to all.
MIke and I ran into her everywhere we went. Are you following me Mike she would ask. She gave Mike so many hugs, and sent us into laughter every time. Mrs. Spiz always had a little story about Deb for mike . He just loved it and would say my teacher wouldn’t do that. We will miss running into Mrs. Spiz and every time i think of her I will be smiling. What a awesome Lady.
God Bless