Lee F. Perrizo

Lee Francis Perrizo, 86, of Fond du Lac, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 14, 2018. Lee was born September 30, 1932 in Fond du Lac to Edwin and Gladys Perrizo. He graduated from St. Mary Springs High School. Lee joined the Air Force and was a boom operator. Upon leaving the service Lee met the love of his life, Virginia on a blind date and was married September 3, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chilton.



After the Air Force Lee worked at the FDL Skyport full time and eventually purchased the operation. Lee’s passion was flying and he often commented on how fortunate he was to do what he loved everyday. When Lee worked as Airport Manager he was instrumental in getting Corporate Hangers and building the new airport terminal.



On July 1, 2012 the EAA presented Lee with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for over 50 years of safe flying and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for more than 50 years of safe aircraft maintenance.



Lee is known around town as Mr. Breezy for the experimental aircraft he built. He was very proud of restoring his three Thunderbird Roadsters and enjoyed attending car shows with friends. Flying gave Lee a wide variety of friends, he enjoyed working at his hanger and having people drop by to talk planes, cars or just sit and enjoy the weather. His favorite saying was “Everyday is a great day”. Lee was the best husband and father anyone could ask for.



Lee was survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia “Cookie”; daughters, Ann Marie (Norman) Perrizo-Femling and Julie (Tim Burns) Mahnke; son-in-law, Jim Kaiser; grandchildren, Justin (Janelle), Alizabeth (Juan) Carlos, Sam (Jill), Lee and Alex; great grandchildren, Sufian and Nora; sisters, Mary (Bill) Kunick and Angela Perrizo, OSF. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sue Ellen Kaiser; sister, Joan (Joe) Mark.



The visitation will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at the church. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers and gifts, Lee would like to pass down his passion for flying to future generations and has started a scholarship fund in his name through the EAA. Please make checks payable to Perrizo EAA Scholarship.