Celebrating the life of Jim Rizzuto: Friends, family gather to remember Kona fishing legend

KAILUA-KONA — Friends, family and fishing enthusiasts gathered at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor on Tuesday to pay respects and remember Jim Rizzuto.

Rizzuto, who was a pillar of the Kona fishing community and wrote a fishing column for West Hawaii Today for nearly half a century, passed away on July 2 at the age of 78.

Pictures of Rizzuto throughout his lifetime were on display at the fishing club and boats were taken out to sea to spread his ashes in Kona waters.

“I think this is a marvelous way to have a final tribute to Jim,” said HIBT founder and director Peter Fithian, who had known Rizzuto for over 40 years. “Everything that he loved and lived was off this coast.”

A celebration of Rizzuto’s life followed the spreading of the ashes with people sharing stories and memories.

Outside of his legendary career chronicling Kona fishing, Rizzuto spent more than three decades at Hawaii Preparatory Academy as a math teacher, Dean of Studies, a college counselor and the head of the Lower and Middle schools.

While he made many contributions to the community, it is Rizzuto’s time spreading the word of Kona fishing that will be his lasting legacy to Kona.

“Kona’s fishing is now known to the world because of Jim,” Fithian said. “Kona would not be the established fishing hole it is today without him.”

Another long time friend, Doc Halliday, added that Jim Rizzuto was to fishing what Phil Rizzuto was to baseball.

“When they found something they loved, they did it and they did it well,” Halliday said. “All over the world people have read his articles. I cannot say enough about the guy and I am going to miss him.”

Rizzuto is survived by wife, Linda Rizzuto; children, Rahna Rizzuto, Leticia Rizzuto; and James Rizzuto; several grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.