On February 9, David Pizzo, market president of West Florida for Florida Blue, a Tampa Bay community leader and our friend, passed away, after silently battling pancreatic cancer.
Pizzo was with Florida Blue for 27 years. He was also known locally for his significant work, in the community, in the realm of economic development, nonprofits, arts and cultural organizations and higher education.
He was a long-time supporter for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, including his tenure as chair, in 2013. He leaves behind his wife, his children, his grandchildren and many friends, in the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
He holds a special place in our hearts as a friend of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth, as the subject, of the very first TBBW CEO Connect, before we even had a magazine on the streets or a proof of concept. He was known to raise his hand and offer support, and to take a chance, even on a new magazine that no one had even seen yet. Pizzo was about relationships and if he believed in you, he was willing to do whatever he could to support you.
As a tribute to our friend, and a tremendous asset to the Tampa Bay region, we present some words of love to remember an incredible man.
Rest in peace, dear Dave, you will be missed.
Thank you for everything,
Your friends at TBBW
♥“We are deeply saddened to hear of David Pizzo’s passing. Dave has always been a champion of regional economic development and played a key role in the establishment of this EDC, serving as our organization’s 2013 Chairman. We are grateful for his decades of visionary leadership and the impact he has had in shaping Tampa Bay’s economic growth. His love for, and dedication to, his Florida Blue family, and our community, will not be forgotten.”
Craig J. Richard
President and chief executive officer,
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
♥“David Pizzo was a true pillar of the Tampa Bay region who fully embraced the values of community and servant leadership. At the University of South Florida, we have treasured our long-standing partnership with Dave through his work at Florida Blue, and we deeply appreciate everything he has done to support the success of our students, the Muma College of Business and our surrounding community. His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us.
I was fortunate to work closely with Dave over the years, as we often volunteered for the same organizations and chaired the same boards in succession to one another — and through these experiences, we became fast friends. I’ve truly admired his commitment to going above and beyond and his passion for strengthening the health and well-being of our communities. Dave left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay region, and we will forever be grateful for his leadership and impact.”
Rhea Law
President,
University of South Florida
♥”Dave truly loved people and people loved Dave. He had a gift of lighting up a room because he knew every face and every name in it. He was deeply committed to the well-being of his Tampa community and never shied away from big, bold ideas to bring our mission to life for the people we serve. He loved his family, Florida Blue/GuideWell, his team and his community. Dave emphatically lived life and that legacy will long live on in the Tampa Bay region.”
Pat Geraghty
CEO and president,
Florida Blue and GuideWell
♥“Dave Pizzo was a tremendous leader and community champion. More importantly, he was a good man who was never without a kind word and a smile. He was instrumental in guiding my transition to CEO of the Partnership, both in his capacity on the selection committee and as our immediate past chair. I will be forever grateful for his support. Dave’s legacy in the community transcends his professional achievements at Florida Blue and his contributions to the Tampa Bay Partnership; he was a beacon of strength, wisdom and kindness. His genuine compassion for others has left a permanent mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. I will miss his leadership and his friendship.”
Bemetra Simmons,
CEO and president
Tampa Bay Partnership
♥“I had the honor of working with Dave on various boards. He was not only a consummate professional and inspired leader, he was also an incredible human being. Our region is better for this passion. His legacy will live on for generations.”
Colleen Chappell
Chairman of the board,
ChappellRoberts
♥“Dave’s unwavering commitment to advancing the American Cancer Society’s mission has left an indelible mark on our organization. His leadership within our CEOS Against Cancer Florida Chapter, coupled with his deep impact beyond its borders underscores his extraordinary dedication to others. Dave’s legacy as a champion for cancer patients and their families will resonate for years to come, inspiring and guiding our efforts to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are incredibly grateful for his friendship, leadership and impact.”
Wendy Johnson
Vice President, Florida,
American Cancer Society
If you wish to do something to honor Dave’s memory, his family has set up a page on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network site. Scan the QR code to visit the site.
