Joseph Risi

Joseph Risi, 66 of Paradise Valley, AZ, surrounded by his loving family, peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on November 8, 1955 to Giuseppe and Rita Risi.

Joseph graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree but really, he had started his lifelong career before this accomplishment at the young age of 17. He was a successful and self-taught real estate developer specializing in both commercial and residential real estate. Early on in his career he developed American West Homes which later evolved in to Risi Companies and Risi Homes. He was very proud of these accomplishments and worked hard at it for his whole life.

Although Joe was dedicated to his career, his heart truly belonged to his faith and his family. He was a servant to the Lord, a devout Catholic, and deeply valued his relationship with the Marian order of priests. The Marian Fathers recognize Joseph Risi as the primary benefactor of the foundation of the Mission of the Marian Fathers in Kibeho, Rwanda. His friendship provided the possibility to build the main chapel in the Cana Center, the St. Joseph pilgrim House, Stations of the Cross dedicated to his mother, Rita Risi, The St. Gabriel Convent of the Nuns of the Annunciation, and the hermitage dedicated to Father Ambrosi. In December 2016, the highest recognition that can be given by the Marian Fathers, the Medal of Saint Stanislaus, was awarded to Joseph as the sign of deep gratitude for his ongoing role as the primary benefactor of the Mission of the Marian Fathers in Kibeho.

Joseph made it a point to share his deeply rooted faith with both the world and his beloved family. He will be forever missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Helena Risi; children Christopher Risi, Matthew Risi, Lucas Risi, Maxwell Risi, and Joseph Risi; brothers John Risi and Marc Cain; Aunt Carolyn Harvell and Auntie Elaine Danielson, as well as many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Giuseppe and Rita Risi.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. with a Rosary prayed at 6:00 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave., in Phoenix. Burial will immediately follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., in Phoenix.  Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com