Frank Rizzo

Date of Birth: October 23, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 16, 1991

Biography

Frank Rizzo was a prominent American politician and law enforcement officer who served as the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1972 to 1980. Born and raised in the Italian-American neighborhoods of South Philadelphia, Rizzo was known for his tough-on-crime stance and larger-than-life persona. Prior to his tenure as mayor, he served as the city’s Police Commissioner, a role in which he gained both notoriety and acclaim for his controversial tactics in fighting crime. Rizzo’s mayoral terms were marked by significant social and political turmoil, including racial tensions and economic challenges. Despite these issues, he maintained a strong base of support among working-class and ethnic white voters. After his time as mayor, Rizzo made several attempts to return to political office, including a run for governor of Pennsylvania and a bid to reclaim his position as mayor.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Rizzo

1. Frank Rizzo was known for carrying a nightstick in his cummerbund at formal events, symbolizing his readiness to tackle crime at any moment.

2. He initially dropped out of high school at the age of 16 but later earned his diploma through night classes.

3. Rizzo was a lifelong Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1986.

4. He was the subject of a famous and controversial mural in South Philadelphia, which became a point of contention and was eventually removed in 2020.

5. Rizzo’s approach to law enforcement was highly controversial, often accused of being overly aggressive and discriminatory, particularly against African American communities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Rizzo

1. “The streets are safe in Philadelphia. It’s only the people that make them unsafe.”

2. “A conservative is a liberal who got mugged the night before.”

3. “I am going to make Attila the Hun look like a faggot.”

4. “The police department in Philadelphia is the finest in the country.”

5. “I don’t have any problems with the press, they have problems with me.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frank Rizzo’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $1 million during his political career.

Children

Frank Rizzo had two children, a son named Frank Rizzo Jr. and a daughter named Joanna Mastrangelo. Frank Rizzo Jr. followed in his father’s political footsteps and served as a member of the Philadelphia City Council.