Louis Larizza

Louis Larizza, 68, a resident of Greenwich, Connecticut and former longtime resident of Port Chester, New York, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026. Born on May 13, 1958, in New Rochelle, New York, Lou was the beloved son of the late Louis P. Larizza and Arlene Amigron.
Raised in Port Chester, Lou graduated from Port Chester High School in 1976 before attending Iona College. On August 15, 1981, he married the love of his life, Santa "Nella" Tedesco, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Port Chester. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
 

For more than forty years, Lou was the President, CEO, and founder of Pawling Holdings LLC and Lazz Development Co. LLC. A respected real estate developer, builder, contractor, and property manager, he helped shape communities throughout Westchester County through his vision, hard work, and integrity, leading every aspect of the development and construction of more than 500 properties from concept to completion. His diverse portfolio included high-end custom homes, commercial and Class A office buildings, affordable housing, retail shopping centers, and warehouse facilities, reflecting both the breadth of his expertise and his commitment to building communities that served people from all walks of life.

While his professional accomplishments were remarkable, Lou measured success not by the buildings he constructed, but by the lives he was able to impact. A lifelong champion of Port Chester, Lou believed deeply in giving back to the community he loved, and his generosity and unwavering commitment enriched the lives of countless individuals. He believed every child deserved an opportunity to succeed and was especially passionate about supporting local youth through athletics, education, mentorship, and community programs. Seeing young people thrive brought Lou and his family immeasurable joy and remained one of his proudest accomplishments. He devoted countless hours and resources to the Louis Larizza Jr Scholarship Fund, Carver Center, Salvation Army, Beyond the Game Connection, Port Chester High School athletic and academic programs, Port Chester Basketball Boosters, SPRYE, Port Chester Housing Authority, Catholic Youth Programs (CYP), the Anti-Bullying Committee, and the Friends of Michael and Louie Scholarship Fund. Through decades of leadership, philanthropy, support for youth programs, and dedication to local organizations, the Larizza family built a legacy that will forever be woven into the history of Port Chester.
Lou never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need, often doing so quietly and without seeking recognition. His legacy is reflected not only in the many lives he touched personally, but in the lasting impact his family continues to make throughout the community.
To those who knew him, Lou was much more than a successful businessman and generous philanthropist. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his family, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating memories that will forever be cherished.
 

Lou was predeceased by his beloved son, Louis Larizza Jr, on April 2, 2017, his brother Michael Larizza on November 27, 2006, and his parents, Louis P. Larizza and Arlene Amigron.
 

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 45 years, Santa "Nella" Larizza of Greenwich, Connecticut; his daughter, Jenna Larizza of Port Chester, New York; his son, Mouhamed Lo of Miami, Florida; and his cherished grandson, Louis James Lo. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Larizza of Port Chester, New York, and Mark's children, Sofia, Rocco, and Olivia; his sisters, Gina Larizza Ditrio and her husband Tony of Stratford, Connecticut, and children Nicole, Emily, and Billy; Renee Larizza and her wife Joanne of New York; his brother-in-law Joseph "Bino" Tedesco and his wife Karen of Greenwich, Connecticut, and their children Janine (Peter), Anthony (Lisa), Julia (Tom), and JoAnna "JoJo" along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, business associates, and members of the Port Chester community who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Craft Memorial Home, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Mercy Church (St. John Bosco), 260 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, New York. Entombment will follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Rye Brook, New York.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Louis's memory may be made to the Carver Center, 400 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573, whose mission of serving local youth and families reflected so many of the values Lou championed throughout his life.

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