Sal L. Piazza M.D.

Sal L. Piazza, M.D., FACS, 76, of Naperville, formerly of Chicago, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2006. Sal is the beloved husband of Marilyn, nee Domikaitis, whom he married Aug. 20, 1955. Sal and Marilyn celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. Sal was a practicing General Surgeon initially at Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, but has been in practice at Edward Hospital in Naperville since 1963. Sal is the loving father of Leonard (Debra), an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon, David (Elisa), a General Surgeon, Thomas (Elizabeth), a Dentist, Gina (Thomas Persin), Office Manager to the surgical practices of Len and Dave, and Daniel (April), a Radiologist. All of Sal's children practice in Naperville and are affiliated with Edward Hospital. Sal is the proud grandparent of Michelle, Nicholas, Michael, Elizabeth, David, Alex, Emily, Nicole, Vincent, Corinne, Sam, Sallie Persin, Dominic Persin, Brittany Persin, and Kate; fond brother of Anthony, Rosemary Darnieder, and the late Jacqueline Lateano. Sal grew up in Chicago in the Roseland community and his parents were Leo Piazza, of Chicago, and Angelina, nee Colletti, of Corleone, Sicily. Leo had his own business buying produce from the South Water Market, and selling and distributing to grocery stores throughout the south side of Chicago. Sal was a graduate of Fenger High School, Chicago, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA, University of Illinois Medical School, and did his first years of residency in Peoria, IL, St. Francis Hospital. He then went into the Air Force as a surgeon and medical officer in the late 1950's, serving at the rank of Captain at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. Laughlin at that time was a U2 spy plane base and this was at the height of the Cold War. After military service, Sal completed his surgical residency at the West Side Veterans Administration Hospital, affiliated with the University of Illinois. Sal was Board Certified in General Surgery, and has been a proud Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In his distinguished career, he has served many positions at Edward Hospital in Naperville, including Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Director of Trauma, Chief of Staff, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of both the hospital and the hospital foundation. Sal was the first recipient of an award named after him at Edward Hospital, the Sal Piazza, MD, Physician Recognition Award first given on April 29, 2006. This award is given yearly to the physician who is felt to have made an extraordinary contribution to Edward Hospital and the community while demonstrating compassion and integrity. Sal was currently a member of the board of trustees at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, and The Center for Surgery in Naperville. Sal will be remembered as a wonderful father who led by example, a consummate surgeon with great skill and integrity, and a devoted and loving husband to Marilyn. Visitation Sunday 2 to 8 p.m. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will begin Monday, 10 a.m. from the funeral home and will proceed to an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Interment Naperville Cemetery, Naperville. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Edward Hospital, ''In Memory of Sal Piazza'', 801 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540 OR Benedictine University Sal Piazza Science Room Fund, 5700 College Rd. Lisle, IL 60532. For info, 630-355-0213.