Maurice Michael Rizzo, III

Maurice Michael Rizzo III, affectionately known to many as ‘Moe’, passed away unexpectedly on February 9th, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. He was born on October 22, 1981 in Oklahoma City, OK.

Moe was a man of immense intellect, humor, and heart. A “walking almanac” of pop culture, he held an encyclopedic knowledge of music, movies, and sports – most notably his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He took great pride in his Italian heritage, and nothing brought him more joy than sharing “Nunna’s sauce” with the people he loved. A graduate of Bishop McGuinness High School, Class of 2000, Moe’s high school years were defined by his talent for art. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma, proudly followed by a nursing degree from Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Moe truly found his calling as a nurse, as he was frequently recognized for the compassion and care he provided for his patients.

Beyond his professional life, his greatest passion was music. Under the moniker DJ Stoic, he became a fixture in the Oklahoma electronic music scene, spinning drum & bass music and forming lifelong bonds within the local music scene.

However, fatherhood was his most natural role. Moe’s greatest achievement and deepest love was without a doubt, his son William (Liam). Whether they were bonding over their shared passion for Pokemon, or exploring new interests, his enthusiasm for Liam’s world was a joy to behold.

Maurice is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Margaret “Nunna” and Maurice “Pappy” Rizzo Sr., his maternal grandparents, Imogene and Earl Childress, his uncle Jeffrey Childress, and aunts Nancy Verge Rizzo and Joan McCord. He is survived by his only son William ‘Liam’ Thomas Rizzo, his sister Sarah Mann and daughter Isabella (Bella), his mother Roxana Rizzo, his father Maurice Rizzo Jr. and partner Ela Casteel, his aunts, Vicki Childress, Billie Jo "BJ" Tate, Rhonda Self and husband Louis Self, his uncle Marc McCord, his cousins Tommy Field (Samson), Courtney and Justin Helps, Maggie and Jeremy Crook (Hadley, Madeline), Lanie and Cole Nelms (Colter, Casen), Maci and Waylon Rodgers (Harley Hamblen), Tara and Gene Carlsward (Lillian, Parker) and Jessi McCord. 

Maurice had an immense love for animals, especially dogs and leaves behind his beloved Lola and is preceded in death by his beloved and loyal dog of 15 years, Lucy.

Moe leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. We love you and you will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held April 4th, 2026, at 11:00am at Smith & Kernke 14624 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK. The service will also be viewable online, see link below. In honor of Maurice, we ask that you wear your cool sneakers and funky eyewear to his service...