Antonio Celebrates Passage of Senate Bill 183

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement after Senate Bill 183, which would designate an apportion of I-90 in Cuyahoga County as the “Lance Corporal Jimmy Rizzo Memorial Highway,” passed unanimously out of the Senate. 

“While it’s impossible to adequately express his sacrifice in words, the dedication of a memorial highway will serve as a poignant reminder of the mark Lance Corporal Rizzo left on the world,” said Antonio. “It is a legacy that remains alive through his family and the community he held close to his heart.”

James “Jimmy” Rizzo spent his early days as a Boy Scout, a star defensive back for Cleveland’s Shaw High School football team, and a catcher for the local Bratenhal Braves. In 1966, Jimmy joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam in the 3rd Marine Division. Lance Corporal Rizzo earned 20 Service Ribbons, including the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.

Lance Corporal Rizzo was tragically killed in 1968 after attempting to gain support for his platoon during a ground assault. This piece of legislation was inspired by John Flowers, a friend and former classmate of Lance Corporal Rizzo, who reached out to see that his friend be recognized in the spirit of the military ethos of “No Man Left Behind.” The portion of I-90 that was selected was chosen because Lance Corporal Rizzo was an active resident of Cuyahoga County and a proud alumnus of the nearby Shaw High School. His final resting place also resides in Calvary Cemetery near this portion of the highway. 

Senate Bill 183 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives.