Jennifer (Billmyer) Rizzo

Jennifer (Billmyer) Rizzo, 81, of Syracuse, passed away Saturday with her family by her side after a long and brave battle with cancer.

Jennifer was born in Cleveland, OH, to artists John and Mina Conant Billmyer, from whom she inherited her creative spirit. She was raised in Denver, CO, and moved to Syracuse, where she graduated from North High School and OCC. After she met and married the love of her life, David C. Rizzo, in 1964, she declined her acceptance to The Fashion Institute of Technology to support her husband's dream of becoming a lawyer.

Jennifer took pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and homemaker. While raising her kids, she was the neighborhood mom with the best leftovers to share. Jennifer enjoyed being a den mother and Girl Scout leader for her children. A gifted cook, she poured her heart into every meal, taking pride in gathering her loved ones around the table where food was more than sustenance, it was love made visible. Outside of the home, Jennifer worked with her husband at his law practice and as a property manager for their rental properties. As a creative soul, she brought artistry into everyday life.

Jennifer was predeceased by her husband, David C. Rizzo; and sister, Margaret (Billmyer) Spector.

Her brother-in-law, Daniel Rizzo, passed away the same day.

Surviving are her son, John, and daughter-in-law, Sue Rizzo; daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law Joseph Cogliandro; foster son, Minh Tran and his family; grandchildren, David and Allison Rizzo, and Alyssa Cogliandro; sister, Johanna Billmyer, and brother-in-law, Louis Moore; brother-in-law, Charles Spector; cousin, Steve Billmyer and family; sister-in-law, Gail Rizzo; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Stephen Graziano and Ibrahim Thabet, NP, as well as Hospice of Central New York, especially Francesca “Frankie” Romeo.

To celebrate Jennifer’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity.