Frederick M. Vizzo, born May 24, 1952, in Wooster, Ohio, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Fred was born to Gladys Rumbaugh Vizzo Ringler and Paul Vizzo. He was also lovingly raised with the presence and influence of his stepfather, Howard Ringler. A graduate of Wooster High School, Fred remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life. He was a Wooster General, carrying that pride with him wherever life took him.
Fred’s love of sports was evident from an early age. His accomplishments as a Wooster High School athlete earned him a place in the Wooster High School Sports Hall of Fame. He also held the school record in the discus—an impressive record that still stands today.
After high school, Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Following his military service, he dedicated much of his career to the Wooster community. He worked as a bus driver for Wooster City Schools and in the athletic department at The College of Wooster, where he remained until his retirement.
On May 24, 1980—his birthday—Fred married the love of his life, Susan Grande. Together, they built a life filled with family, laughter, memories, and love.
Fred was an avid music lover and an absolute sports fanatic. He could always find something to listen to or a game to watch. He was a devoted fan of his Michigan Wolverines and also proudly cheered for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sports were more than just something Fred watched—they were something he lived and breathed. So much so that when he asked his young daughters, “What are we gonna do tonight?” they would answer back, “Beat Orrville!”
His love of music extended beyond simply listening. Fred was a self-taught piano player who could sit down at the piano and make music all his own. Some of his sweetest musical memories came when his daughters were little, when he would make up songs just for them. Those silly, spontaneous songs became treasured memories that his family will carry with them forever.
Fred also had a way with words, and his family will forever hear his familiar sayings in their heads. Whether offering encouragement with his classic “Keep on keeping on,” or sending someone on their way with, “Stay safe, stay away from bad people, and be safe amongst the English,” Fred always managed to leave people with a little piece of his unmistakable personality.
And then there was Tom Brady.
Fred’s beloved cat companion was never simply a pet. Tom Brady was his constant companion, keeping Fred company and becoming an important part of his everyday life. Their bond was a special one, and Tom Brady held a very special place in Fred’s heart.
But above all else, Fred was a family man.
He treasured his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren, his siblings, and his extended family. He was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews and a great-uncle to numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Family meant everything to Fred, and he cherished the countless memories, stories, laughter, and traditions they shared.
Fred was the kind of person whose presence filled a room. He had stories to tell, opinions to share, music to make, games to watch, and a sense of humor that was uniquely his own. He could make people laugh without even trying. His sayings, his voice, his stories, and his unmistakable personality became part of the fabric of the lives of those who loved him.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Vizzo; his daughters, Gina Brent Bratu Vizzo and Theresa Jermaine Steele; his grandchildren, Jayden Steele, Isabella Steele, and Gia Steele; and his siblings, Jon Peggy Vizzo, Joanne Leaman, Chuck Vizzo, Jeff Julie Vizzo, and Dan Sherry Vizzo. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless friends and extended family members who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Paul Vizzo; his stepfather, Howard Ringler; his brother-in-law, Ron Leaman; and his nephews, Josh Vizzo and David Daley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 2:00-4:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you wear bright colors to the funeral.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Fred was a one of a kind man! I worked at the College of Wooster and would be at the physical education facility frequently. Seeing Fred always cheered me up no matter how my day was going! He made me smile, laugh and always had a kind word to say. Fred was a kid at heart and that’s what so many loved about him. Susie, Gina, Theresa…there are no words that can express my profound sadness for all of you. Susie, you and Fred were the perfect fit and I was so happy when I found out years ago you were dating. What a beautiful life you built together with your love for each other and family. Fred is finally free from the suffering he has been through and I know he is with that magnificent light we know as God. Remember the dance Long Time Sun we would always end class with and visual throwing that beautiful ball of light to the heavens. Fred is there waiting patiently to embrace your light and your daughters one day when God calls you home. Sending you so much love, Day
Susan and Family…… I am so sorry to hear of Freds’ passing… He was a wonderful man.
Sending ny deepest condolences to you all..🙏🏻💔
Sending my deepest sympathy and condolence to Susan and Family. You and Fred were the model couple; a perfect fit! May you find some comfort in the wonderful memories you hold dear.
I knew Fred all my life. When my brother was killed, Bruce Mays allowed me to come and be a manager for the high school football team. Fred was one of the guys that treated me like a little brother. Made sure I had a Coke after practice, usually for sneaking chunks of ice to them during practice. He was also one of the first guys to call me, Little Juice. Fred, you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Our Deepest Sympathies to all the Vizzo’s
My thoughts and prayers arecwith Susan and family. I met Fred and Susan in a group of 40 who went on a 14 day fabulous trip to Italy. We all became fast friends and “travelling family” for that short time. Fred was so witty and made us laugh. We will all cherish those memories and so blessed to have travelled with the Vizzo family.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Fred’s family…he was Katie and Nate’s bus driver for school. Will be hard to fill a void he has left but know he would want it to done with love, music and humor. May you find peace in the love he left you and the memories too.
Fred was a fantastic (2nd) father to me. I’m so glad to have 16 years worth of great memories.
My condolences to all of Fred’s girls.I will always be grateful for the humor and wise words Fred offered this old hermit…they brightened my world.
I dated Fred when we were in our 20’s. I have always had fond memories of him. He was a really nice man.
I’m sorry for the family’s loss.
Fred was a great guy who was in Laurie’s class at WHS . I knew Susan and a better match there couldn’t have been. We are both sad for the loss of Fred to the Family and us all. Fred picked up all our kids for school as a driver and they. All loved him. RIP to a fine man gone too soon. John & Laurie Dunbar
Sincere sympathy to all who loved Fred. He was great in so many ways, including being a great defensive tackle.
Sincere sympathy to Fred’s family. He was our girl’s bus driver for their elementary years at Layton.
He was protective, caring, kind, and humorous with all the kiddos on his bus. Over the years they have often mentioned how great Fred was.
May you find comfort in knowing how many lives Fred changed just by being himself.
Kris and Jon Hawke
Oh Theresa, Im so sorry for you loss. You father sounded like such an amazing man. I see where you got your kindness and personality from. I will be thinking of you and your family. Much love!
I knew him in high school. A very nice guy. RIP Fred. 🙏❤️🙏
In the 1970’s Fred and I lived in the same house, turned into an apartment complex, across from Nolettis Bakery,on the corner of Bowman Street and Palmer Street. The only thing separating our places was the furnace room. We would walk back and forth to B.S. on a regular basis. Fred’s apartment was a bathroom and one other room that served as bedroom, living room and kitchen. He only paid $75 a month rent. We would talk about sports, philosophy and everything under the sun. He could make me laugh so hard when we reminisced about old times.
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My sincere condolences to the Vizzo family.
Sue, I am so sorry for your, and your family’s loss. Fred was a good friend and a great man. He was always a good influence on our boys. Everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Vizzo family. It sounds like he was so much fun to be around. Blessing & peace as you remember the good times.
Susan and family: Fred was a friend in high school. I went to Triway and was a year behind him. He was always friendly and kind, and had a smile for me in passing the rest of our lives. I haven’t seen him for at least 30 years and I am so sorry that he has passed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan, thank you for sharing some special memories with Fred’s obituary. It was a blessing to have some time with the two of you recently. Indeed Fred is the poster person for ” once a General always a General”
“What are we gonna do tonight? …”
To My dear Cousin and her wonderful family.
I loved watching the two of you dance together. He sure loved music didn’t he.
I’m sorry for your loss.
My prayers and God’s blessings for healing from your loss
With love
Cousin Connie
Susan, Jeff, Julie & family,
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. May God comfort you during this difficult w
Susan and Family… sending thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time, may he rest in peace.
Susan sorry to hear about Fred! Praying for you and all your family.
My deepest condolences to Theresa (Jermaine) Steele, Gia, Jayden, Bella, and the entire Vizzo family. What a great legacy Fred passed on to his family. Always ” keep on keeping on”
” Stay safe ” and let your light shine as Fred would want you to live! May the Lord watch over the Vizzo family.