Anthony Rizzo was a typical Staten Island teenager. Just 16, he was a good student, played football and soccer, and dated his first girlfriend. On June 8, 2010, Anthony was struck by an SUV while walking to the school bus stop. He suffered a severe brain injury and spent 11 days on life support before passing away with his loved ones around him. He was able to donate his heart to one man and a part of his liver to a baby who now thrives as a five-year-old. Two others received the gift of sight. According to his mother, Suzann Rizzo, "Anthony was a gift of life. Now his legacy lives on with the recipients of his donation."

Anthony's Story

Anthony Rizzo lived the typical life of a Staten Island teenager, but he was not a typical boy - Anthony was special. The oldest of three children and the oldest grandchild, Anthony was a good student at the local Catholic high school, had many friends, and was a member of the football and soccer teams. At 16, he was dating his first girlfriend.

Anthony was a loving boy who cared for his family, friends, community and parish. Like most teenagers, he was looking forward to adventures in college in a few years.

On the morning of June 8, 2010, Anthony was walking to the school bus stop as usual and was tragically struck by an SUV. He suffered a severe brain injury which left him on life support for 11 days.  He passed away surrounded by his loved ones on June 19, 2010.

"Anthony was meant to share the life that God gave him with others that were not as fortunate," said his mother Suzann Rizzo. "Anthony's heart was so filled with love that it was truly meant to be that his heart went to another man so he could live."

A seven-month old boy received a portion of Anthony's liver and now thrives at almost five years old. Five souls were saved on that tragic day, and two others received the gift of sight because of Anthony, while others have benefitted from his tissue.

Anthony's parents saw a bright future ahead for their son, but now that future lies in the eyes of others. They understand that Anthony was put on this earth for a reason. That reason was to save lives.

Anthony is now a hero in the eyes of his siblings Joseph and Elissa, who always looked to their older brother for inspiration. "Anthony was a gift of life, and it was a blessing to have him for a short time," Suzann said. "Now his legacy lives on with the recipients of his donation."