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Mourners honor Paul Ravizza as coach, father and husband

ByLisa Neves Woldt

It was standing room only in St. Christopher's Church during the memorial mass for Paul Joseph Ravizza on Jan.17.

Ravizza lost his five-year battle with cancer on Jan. 12. He was 37 years old.

"It's a wonderful tribute to him," the Rev. Gerald Wade said. "Paul would be overwhelmed to see all of you here tonight."

Ravizza grew up in Willow Glen. He was the son of Michael and Dorine Ravizza, who lived on Minnesota Avenue. He graduated from Willow Glen High School, where he was a quarterback for the football team. He met his wife, Heidi, a cheerleader who also played on the high school tennis team. The couple was married for 14 years.

Ravizza attended San Jose City College and went to work for Cisco Systems. His wife is a second-grade teacher at Hacienda Science and Environmental Magnet School.

Sports figured prominently in Ravizza's life, and was the underlying theme throughout the church service. Close friend Mike Gough recalled Ravizza as a gifted athlete who was adept at making other athletes look good.

"A lot of guys will miss Paul's take on sports," he said.

Gough also recalled Ravizza's sense of humor, which remained constant throughout his illness.

"When Paul found out about his cancer," Gough said, "he said, 'It just means I get to watch a little more ESPN and watch my kids' games in the afternoon.' "

Ravizza was known as a dedicated coach with his children's sports teams. He not only coached children; he also made friends with their families. Anne Cashman of Willow Glen said her son, James, was a soccer teammate of Mitchell Ravizza.

Cashman said they've known the family for about six years, and that Ravizza was a great coach with a great sense of humor.

"It's unbelievable how many lives he has touched in so many ways," she said.

Nancy Sanfilippo of Campbell said her son Joey also played soccer with Mitchell. She said the two families would always sit together at the games.

"You could tell Paul had such a good relationship with his kids," she said. "He was a nice guy and has a fabulous family."

Judi Kelleher of Almaden has known the Ravizza family for about 10 years, from the time son Brian and Ravizza's son were in preschool playing soccer. She said he was a great guy who would occasionally give the referee a hard time.

"But he was always very positive and never obnoxious," she said.

During the memorial service, John Ravizza, Paul's brother, spoke of his brother's intense nature, but that off the field Ravizza was even-tempered, quiet and kind.

"There may be some referees and umpires who would disagree with that," he said.

Along with the tears, there were moments of laughter as John Ravizza and Gough talked about Ravizza's dry sense of humor and ability to play practical jokes with a straight face.

Family and friends said Ravizza dealt with his cancer with courage and strength, and never complained.

"He never would have asked to be taken out of the game," Gough said. "The best thing we can do is to take the best qualities of those closest to us and integrate them into our own lives. We are fortunate to have had him for as long as we did."

The family has suggested that donations be made to local youth sports organizations in lieu of flowers.

Paul Ravizza is survived by his wife Heidi, son Mitchell and daughter Molly; his parents Michael and Dorine Ravizza and his brothers John Ravizza of Green Bay, Wisc., and Peter Ravizza of San Francisco.