Lou Bizzarro, age 80, of Erie, passed away on October 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life left a lasting mark on his family and community.
Born in Marcianise, Italy, Lou came to the United States with his family as a young child and grew up in Erie, where he built a life that touched so many people. His boxing career brought him into the ring with Roberto Durán in 1976 to compete for the world lightweight championship—a defining moment in a life marked by courage, determination, and strength. He was inducted to both the Erie Metro Hall of Fame in 1988 and Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Beyond the ring, Lou was a businessman and an active member of the Erie community. His businesses included Lou Bizzarro’s Ringside Restaurant, Johnny’s Sports Bar, and Anthony’s Auto Sales. He also served on the Erie Regional Airport Authority as well as the Erie Water Authority always contributing to the community, he proudly called home.
Lou also used his love of boxing to give back. He and his family founded and organized the Erie City Mission’s annual Knockout Homelessness fundraiser, bringing the community together to raise money and awareness for those facing hunger and homelessness. His willingness to step back into the ring to help others was another meaningful part of his life and service to Erie.
While many knew Lou for his accomplishments, his family knew him best as Dad and Grandpa. They will especially miss the everyday things: his voice, his stories, being able to call him or see him, and the moments they thought they would always have more time to share.
Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Bizzarro and Jennie (Nuzzulo) Bizzarro; his wife, Diana “Penny” Bizzarro; his son, Anthony Paul Bizzarro; his sister, Antoinette Raucci; and his brothers, Charles (Angelo), John, Paul, and Ralph Bizzarro. He was also preceded in death by his niece, Gina Bizzarro Bird; his nephews, Joseph John Bizzarro, Pete Raucci, Paul Raucci, and Andrew Monschein; his great-niece, Laura Nicastro; and his great-nephews, Jaycee Bizzarro and Paul Shermer.
Survivors include his eight children: Joe (Denise) Bizzarro, Jennie (Jeff) Bone, Johnny (Tina Torok) Bizzarro, Mary (Ben) Yates, Louie (Suzanne) Bizzarro, Christina (Ted) Hillman, Eddie (Siobhan) Bizzarro, and Louie (Trista) Bizzarro; his sisters, Elizabeth Askins and Mary (Gary) Magorien; and his brother, Ernie Bizzarro.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Nick, and Antonio Bizzarro; Derek, Victoria, and Jeffrey Bone; Gina (Dan) Kinem; Jenna (Evan) Baumann; Johnny Bizzarro; Lisa (Jordan) Bell; Benji (Sophie) and Luigi (Sarah) Yates; Diana, Luigi, Christina, and Paul Bizzarro; Joey Mando; Beth and Kili Hillman; and Dominic, Eddie, Giuliana, and Giovanny Bizzarro. His great-grandchildren include Lainey, Hayden, Luca, Ava, Wesley, Alonso, Luca, and Charlie. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Hatchi.
Lou leaves behind a family who loves him deeply, friends who will miss him, and a community that will remember his contributions. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry his stories forward and keep his legacy alive.
“You gave us a lifetime of memories, and we would give anything for one more. We love you, Dad. Forever our champion.”
Friends may call at Brugger Funeral Home & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. at Greengarden Blvd. on Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th St. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. To send condolences please visit www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com
Memorials contributions may be made to the Erie City Mission, PO Box 407, Erie, PA 16512.
Posted online on October 18, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News