Max Kizzie; 76; of Monessen; died peacefully at his home Sept. 19; 2009; surrounded by his loving family and friends. Max was born July 5; 1933; son of the late John and Gertrude Wright Kizzie. He was a man of many interests and pursuits; which included flower gardening; hunting; fishing; and horses. Max also loved classical music; predominantely Beethoven. During his years at Monessen High School; of which he was a graduate; Max enjoyed extra-curricular activities such as swimming; football; and dancing. He also attended Westmoreland County Community College; where he made the dean’s list for academic excellence. His numerous professional achievements included being an accomplished barber; a skillful mechanic; and the first African-American to own an Exxon service station; which he operated in Bentleyville; Pennsylvania for 10 years. He was a valued employee of Volkswagen and The Metallized Paper Corporation; which he retired from. Max was a private person who never failed to let his family know how much they were loved. He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Gertrude Wright Kizzie; his brothers; William L. Tidwell; Jerome (Betty) Tidwell; all of Monessen; and his sister; Bertha (Arthur) Phillips; of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his brothers; Livingston (Patricia) Kizzie Sr.; Floyd (Vickie) Kizzie; both of Monessen; and John (Susan) Kizzie; Jr.; of Pittsburgh; his sisters; Beatrice Tipton and Frankie Kizzie; and a niece; Kathleen (Charles) Johnson; all of Pittsburgh; his godson; Baron (Rayme) Rawlins; of Maryland; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family and close friends; which include Donald and Harriet Keifer; and son DAK. He is also survived by his cherished cat; Calendar. Memorial services will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 3; 2009; at the BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME in Monessen. A homegoing celebration for family and friends will be held at Monessen City Park immediately following the memorial.