Obituary of Lorry J. Piazza

Lorry J. Piazza, 95, of 8404 S.E. Sandy Lane, Hobe Sound, FL and 116 Winch Road, Lakewood, where he resided with his daughter, Lorraine and son-in-law, Pete Johnson, passed away July 1, 2010 in Florida. He was born February 20, 1915 in Falconer, NY, a son of the late Salvatore and Jennie Iena Piazza, where he graduated from Falconer High School, excelling in baseball and basketball. He was a member of Our Lady of Loretto in Falconer and St. Christofer's Catholic Church in Hobe Sound. Prior to retirement, Lorry was co-owner and operator of Piazza's Carpet and Tile Shop in Jamestown along with his brother, Sam Piazza. Following retirement, he was an avid golfer, participating in many tournaments and senior golf matches. He enjoyed playing the penny arcades with his 'buddy' and son-in-law, Pete, doing crossword puzzles and watching golf and baseball, especially his favorite New York Yankee games with his great-grandchildren at their home in Lakewood. Lorry also enjoyed fishing with his son-in-law and grandson, Rodney. He was always excited to visit his granddaughter, Gina's, Jamestown home and just sitting and watching her seven children at play. In the last few years, a wonderful gift at the age of 93 was a visit in Florida by his grandson, Rodney and his wife, Nicole and his two great-granddaughters. He always took great pride knowing he was a part of his grandchildren's paths. Lorry was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Martino Piazza who was tragically struck and killed January 9, 1998 while walking near their home in Florida. He was also preceded by two daughters, Rosalie Piazza Erickson and Jeanette Piazza; three brothers, James, John and Joseph Piazza; and three sisters, Rosalie and Lucy Piazza and Beatrice Hart. He is survived by a daughter, Lorraine Johnson and his best friend and son-in-law Pete of Lakewood and Hobe Sound; three grandchildren: Richard Allen (Candy) Erickson of Wilbraham, MA, Regina Marie (Joseph) Gerace of Jamestown and Rodney (Nicole) Johnson of Martinsville, IN; nine great-grandchildren: Andrew Gorman of Corpus Christi, TX, Tommy, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jacob, Michael and Mary Gerace, all of Lakewood and Karis and Jade Johnson of Martinsville; and a brother-in-law, Carl Martino of Victorville, CA. Lorry was a caring and compassionate husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed and loved every day but forever in his family's and friend's hearts. A memorial service in celebration Lorry's life and his late wife, Josephine, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Rick Miller will officiate. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Thursday. A luncheon for family and friends will be held immediately following the service at Zion Covenant Church, 520 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown.