Sylvia Delgado Rizzuto passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023 at St. Joseph of the Pines in Southern Pines.   

Born on December 14, 1936 at Sloane Hospital in Manhattan, New York to Maria (Ruiz) and Isaias Delgado, Sylvia spent her childhood with her sister, Agnes, in the Bronx, New York.  She graduated from Straubenmuller Textile High School, Manhattan, in June of 1953.  At the age of 16 she was chosen to be a Miss Subways by the N.Y.C. Mass Transit Authority, and her image and biography appeared on posters placed on N.Y.C subways.  Sylvia worked as a professional model, a vocalist, and as a Spanish translator for various businesses.

She married Lou on September 7, 1968 at St. Andrews Roman Catholic church in Queens, N.Y.  They were married for 42 years until his death in 2009.  They lived in Douglaston, N.Y, and Delray Beach, Florida until relocating to Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Prior to her retirement, Sylvia worked at The Holly Inn as a concierge, assisting guests with their vacation plans.

Sylvia enjoyed accompanying her husband, Louis Rizzuto, as he played the piano.  Her family fondly remembers her as an energetic participant in Christmas caroling, an avid reader and crossword aficionado. She was also an innovative cook and party planner, and a gracious hostess. 

Sylvia is survived by her sister, Agnes, of Aberdeen, N.C. and numerous nieces and nephews, who truly miss their glamorous, fun aunt. 

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, May 13 at 1pm.  Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, alongside Lou, who was an U.S. Army/Air Force veteran.

Online condolences may be left at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines. 

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