Membership In the - Council of American Master Mariners

In the
Crossing the Bar
Council
Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me
And may there be no
moaning of the bar, when
I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving
seems asleep, too full for
sound and foam,
When that which drew
from out the boundless
deep turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
and after that the dark!
And may there be no
sadness of farewell,
when I embark.
For tho’ from out our
bourne of Time and Place
the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot
face to face when I have
crossed the bar.
Rear Admiral Joe Rizza #1000-L
Joe Rizza died October 5, 2012, at Coronado Hospital from congestive heart failure,
at the age of 97. He was active in Coronado Roundtable and Coronado Rotary
until the very end. Admiral Rizza retired in 1983 after 50 years of a distinguished
professional life encompassing three related careers - U.S. Merchant Marine officer
(1934-42), U.S. Naval Officer (1942-72), and President and champion of the
California Maritime Academy (1972-83) in Vallejo, California. He left the service
at the rank of Rear Admiral, U.S. Maritime Service (Ret.); and Captain U.S. Navy
(Ret.).
In the wake of WWII and at the height of the Cold War, Joe Rizza ended a brilliant
career at sea in the Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy that few, if any, could lay claim.
He then went on to build another sterling career for himself as a major player in U.S.
foreign policy ashore, and as an educator with far-reaching results. As an expert in
international political military policies, Joe played a dominant role in U.S. foreign
policy as advisor to the highest office in the land, the President of the United States.
Rear Admiral Rizza had a reputation worldwide for his unbiased and objective work,
and for the integrity, honesty, and credibility he consistently brought to the table.
During his wartime service he was the epitome of leadership, ethical comportment,
and complete grace under fire.
He is survived by his current wife, Fran Walker-Rizza of Coronado, two grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren. His remains will be interred at Fort Rosecrans
National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made “In
Memory of Admiral Joe Rizza” to the Coronado Rotary and Coronado Roundtable.
Editors’ Note: Rear Admiral Joe Rizza’s biography, “The Life & TImes of Joe Rizza:
Friend of all the World” was released last year. A summary of the biography is published
in Sidelights December 2011, pg 30.
Commander Joseph T. Neville #2628-A
Commander Joseph T. Neville, USN, (Ret.) passed away February 3, 2012 after a
brief illness. He attended New York State Maritime Academy in May 1944, graduating
1946 as Ensign in the Naval Reserve with a license as a Merchant Marine officer.
Shortly after graduation he was employed by Grace Line Steamship company before
coming ashore in 1947 working in New York Harbor.
Neville was called to active duty during the Korean War in 1954 accepted commission
in the regular Navy aboard destroyer-type ships, commanding the USS
Putnam and USS Charles R. Ware. Upon graduating from the Naval Intelligence Post
Graduate School, we was assigned Chief of Naval Operations as head of the Current
Intelligent Briefing Unit with duties of briefing the White House, Secretary of the
Navy, and U.S. Congress. After receiving many awards, he retired in 1973.
Commander Neville was a skilled ship model maker and woodworker. He is survived
by his wife Chloe, children and several grandchildren, who will miss his dry
wit, compassion and generous ways. He was a true gentleman.
12 Sidelights December 2012 The Council of American Master Mariners, Inc.