ALBANY - John Michael Lizzi Sr., 72 passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at home and surrounded by his family. Born on November 18, 1953 in Albany, NY, he was the proud son of the late Joseph and Catherine Lizzi.
John attended Cardinal McCloskey High School and then the State University of New York at Albany. He was a dedicated microbiologist at the VA Hospital in Albany for 38 years. He was a lover of a wide range of music, volunteering at local food pantries, and enjoyed wine, exercising, reading, and crossword puzzles. He ironically also loved to read the obituaries.
John was a strong and resilient man, who battled health challenges throughout his life – without complaint – anchored by his deep faith in God and trust in His plan.
His greatest love was his family. He is survived by his dedicated and unwavering wife, Cindy of Albany, NY, his loving children, John Jr. (Kelly) of Wilton, NY, Tony (Maria) of Rhode Island, and Maria (Mike) Norelli of Clifton Park, NY. He is also survived by ten adoring grandchildren: Claire, Regina, Johnny, Vita, Michael, Joseph, Julius, Vincenzo, Caterina, and Jackson. He is survived by his brother Joseph Lizzi (Karen) of Niskayuna, NY, brothers-in-law Philip Minissale Jr. (Lorraine), Ted Minissale (Donna), and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Dr. Frank Lizzi, sister-in-law Terry, and in-laws Agnes and Philip Minissale Sr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church, 10 Lodge Street, Albany.
Donations in his name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 (https://www.communityhospice.org/donate).
To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, please click the Share Memories button below.
New Comer Cremations & Funerals, Watervliet
St. Mary's Church
Visits: 305
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors