It is with great sadness that the Retail Design Institute announces the passing of longtime member and Fellow of the Institute, Paul Francis Pizzini. Paul 74, passed away peacefully on July 9th in his home in Marietta, GA.
Born on October 2, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of William and Wanda (Hrabe) Pizzini. He graduated from St. Joseph High School (Cleveland) in 1967 and received his BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1972. For years, he put his talent to work as Creative Director for Miller Zell, Inc. and served as Chairman for the Atlanta/Southeast Chapter of the Retail Design Institute.
Paul got his start in the industry working for notable companies such as WH Smith as Director of Design and was a valued member of Miller Zell as their EVP Creative Director.
He was an integral part of the Atlanta/Southeast Chapter, serving two terms as President followed by Chairman. His dedication to the Institute earned him the honor of being named a Fellow of The Institute (FRDI).
Paul was always up for an adventure, whether it was traveling abroad or simply taking his grandkids to the playground. The memories he made were vast, and they will be deeply treasured by those he made them with.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; son, Andrew (Becca); two grandsons, Hudson and Beckett; brother, Dale and sister-in-law, Linda Alessandri.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to your favorite charity/cause in his memory.