By SCOTT LYNCH, President and CEO, American Boiler Manufacturers Association
At this most festive time of year, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news about the passing of our beloved and valued colleague Robert “Bob” Rizza on December 24th.
Bob was a larger-than-life figure who touched so many people through the years, both personally and professionally. You always looked forward to spending time with him. He made our industry a better place in which to work. His smile was infectious as was his love for things combustion-related. With Bob, it wasn’t merely a job or a career, combustion and the boiler industry was a passion ─ one that he pursued for over five decades with the last 20 years spent leading the sales and marketing efforts at Power Flame.
His contributions to the ABMA and the boiler industry were countless, culminating in his current tenure on the ABMA Board of Directors. Bob was always willing to raise his hand and understood the importance of giving back to an industry that had given so much to him.
If he was not at Power Flame or with his family, you would find Bob on the golf course. Many have played a round of golf with Bob and seen his passion for the game and more importantly, the joy he felt in bringing together colleagues and friends on the course.
Bob touched so many of us over the years in many seen and unseen ways and it is up to all of us to keep Bob’s infectious spirit alive.
Our industry and the world around us lost a great one.
Bob, Rest in Peace.
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We will send out additional informational details about memorial services and other ways to remenber and honor Bob soon.
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UPDATE, DECEMBER 29, 2020
ABMA has received additional details on the arrangements for Bob Rizza along with options for condolences and memorial suggestions.
Bob's obituary is below and also available by clicking here. The obituary page also includes an opportunity to share condolences in the guestbook.
Robert “Bob” Rizza, 68, of Parsons, passed away at 7:15 a.m., Thursday, December 24, 2020, at Labette Health. He is survived by his wife, Bea, of the home.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date, tentatively this spring.
Memorials are suggested to Labette Health Foundation or Rainbow Meadows Equine Horse Rescue. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
In addition, those wishing to mail condolences should send them to:
Neil Whitworth, Power Flame, 2001 S. 21st St., Parsons, KS 67357.
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