Landscape Architect Articles

Moment of Silence10-05-18 | News

Moment of Silence
Angelo Risi, October 21, 1945 - September 1, 2018

One of the founders of Risi Stone Systems and an early influencer in the segmental retaining wall industry, Angelo Risi died recently.

Company spokeswoman, Julie Lefevre writes: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family and staff of Risi Stone Systems announce the sudden passing of a true pioneer in the SRW industry, Angelo Risi.
For those of you who knew Angelo, you will remember him as an innovator and inventor, but more importantly, as a gentleman, a family man, and a warm, caring individual.

As the founders of Risi Stone Systems, Angelo and his brother Tony('s)... success story started out in the early 1970s, as they developed and patented their first landscape wall product, the iconic Pisa Stone. By the late 1970s, the Risi brothers invested in a larger plant in nearby Gormley, Ontario, and it was here that the flagship Pisa2 Wall System was born. In a few short years, these products became an enormous success, signaling the birth of Risi Stone Systems.

Over the next two decades, the Risi brothers expanded their product line to create a wide range of new and innovative products and they enjoyed great success. In 1995 they sold their manufacturing facilities to Unilock Ltd., and continued Risi Stone Systems as a Licensing Company. Many of the early relationships with manufacturers throughout North America remain strong to this day and the Risi Stone line of products continues to break new ground in the SRW industry.
Angelo will be missed immensely and a huge void has been left in all of us.

But we find comfort in the fact that we will all take away lessons from our time with him - love of family, fairness in business, generosity, looking for the win-win scenario, and staying young at heart and always curious."

The Risi family has indicated that in lieu of flowers, donations to Community Living York South are welcome. www.communitylivingyorksouth.ca

Stories and messages about Angelo can also be shared online at www.catholic-cemeteries.com/obituary/angelo-risi/.