| Jilly Rizzo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ermenigildo Rizzo May 6, 1917 New York City, New York |
| Died | May 6, 1992 (aged 75) Rancho Mirage, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Restaurateur Television personality |
Ermenigildo "Jilly" Rizzo (May 6, 1917 – May 6, 1992) was an American restaurateur and entertainer.
A long-time friend of Frank Sinatra, Rizzo was mentioned in several of Sinatra's recordings and made cameo appearances in several of Sinatra's films. Mr. Rizzo long ran Jilly's saloon, a lounge on West 52nd Street in Manhattan that was a favorite gathering spot of celebrities in the 1960s, especially when Mr. Sinatra was in New York, and can be seen in the 1962 film "The Manchurian Candidate." He was also a frequent guest on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, where he would recite one liners in his monotone New York accent. During the 1970s, his night-club was torn down and replaced with Dean Martin's restaurant, Dino's. In 1959, Rizzo married Honey King, who later co-owned Jilly's South with him in Miami. They have two sons, Joey and Willy, a daughter, Abby, a grandson J.J. and a granddaughter, Kacey.
On May 6, 1992, his 75th birthday, Rizzo was killed when his car was hit by a drunk driver in Rancho Mirage, California.[1] He is buried near Frank Sinatra (and Sinatra's parents) at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.
"Always a thrill with Jilly around." Desert Sun, July 12, 2009
"Jilly! Sinatra's Right-Hand Man Biography written by Scott Allen Nollen" Released May 1, 2009