John Charles Piazza Sr.

John Charles Piazza, Sr., 84, a 20-year resident of Bradbury Heights, MD, and 50-year resident of District Heights, MD, passed away peacefully at Solomon's Nursing Center on December 29, 2023. John was born on February 27, 1939 in Washington, DC. He graduated from St. John's College High School in Washington, DC in 1958. At St. John's, he started as the varsity quarterback for three years under legendary coach Joe Gallagher. He led the Cadets to back-to- back City and Catholic League Championships in 1956 and 1957. John was also named First Team All-Prep by several newspapers including The Washington Daily News and The Washington Evening Star. He was honored as Athlete of the Week for his outstanding play in the 1957 City Championship game. John was a four-year Varsity letterman on the baseball squad, pitching a no-hitter his Freshman year, a remarkable feat. John went on to attend University of Maryland on a football scholarship and eventually became an Electrician for Local 26 IBEW. He worked at his trade for 40 years.
After a three-year courtship, John married Georgene Nau on October 22, 1960, and they had 8 children. John continued to nourish his love of sports by coaching CYO football and baseball at Mt. Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville, MD. He also officiated local high school football for 25 years.
John retired in 1993 and has been residing in District Heights, MD, with his wife Georgene. He cherished gatherings with his family and greatly enjoyed attending the grandchildren's many activities. John was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, MD.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine (Galeano) Piazza, his sister Margaret Ellis, and son Jimmy Piazza. He is survived by his wife Georgene, his two daughters, five sons, and their spouses: John Piazza (Regina); Monica Piazza; Ann Beall; Michael Piazza (Stacey); Stephen Piazza; Vincent Piazza (Anne); Angelo Piazza (Beth).
He is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Matthew and Katie Piazza; David, Anthony and Marie (Garzon) Russell; Kristin, David, Michael and Stephanie Beall; Michael and Anthony Piazza; Zachary, Dominic, and Joseph Piazza; Mia and Meghan Piazza; Isabel and Christopher Piazza. And 9 great grandchildren: Caroline, Paul and Natalie Piazza; Colton, Wyatt and Brayden Russell; Adam and Allison Russell; and Ronnie Tippett.
Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, January 12 at 11 a.m. at St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 14908 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's College High School