PIAZZA, Joseph R. Sr. 1935 - 2021 Age 85 years, of Lynnfield, MA, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2021. Joseph (Joe) was born in Boston, MA to Lawrence P. Piazza and Anna Boudris. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1954 and went on to graduate with distinction from the Babson Institute of Business Administration in 1957. While there, he was the business manager of the Babsonian. Joe served in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany before returning to join the family produce business, Community-Suffolk, Inc., owned by his father, Larry, also affectionately and aptly known as "The Boss." While Joe had a quiet demeanor and an academic hunger for knowledge, he was a ferocious businessman who devoted his working life to growing the family business, which has been a point of pride for nearly 90 years and three generations, going on four. As a leader within the produce industry from the mid 1960's-2005, Joe championed the growth of his business during a time of evolution within the produce industry. He was loved, admired and respected by numerous colleagues and co-workers many of whom became like family. Joe's sparkling blue eyes telegraphed his interest and engagement, often apparent when he provided mentorship not only to his sons, who now lead Community Suffolk, Inc., but also to several friends and colleagues. Joe provided council to many in the produce industry, inspiring and contributing to their success. Joe's openheartedness was boundless and a gift to all he touched. Joe was predeceased by his wife of 62 years and love of his life, Rita McCarty Piazza, and by his son Joseph (Jay) Piazza, Jr. He is survived by his children, Judy (Piazza) Bichajian and her husband Jack, Steven and his wife Maria, Thomas and his longtime partner Kassandra Duane, Jackie and his wife Renee. Joseph is also survived by his beloved 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Joe adored Rita and together they saw much of the world side-by-side, traveling to Spain, Mexico, Switzerland, Italy and more. She provided the creative, artistic balance to his analytic business mind; they spent their lives devoted to one another and their family. Funeral Services will be private and entrusted to the care of Cota Funeral Home, NORTH READING, MA. Please visit and leave remembrances of Joseph in the guestbook at www.cotafuneralhomes.com If desired, donations in honor of Joe's memory made be made to The Leonard Florence Center for Living, 165 Captains Row, Chelsea, MA 02150,

www.chelseajewish.org Cota Funeral Home

335 Park St.

North Reading, MA 01864

978-664-4340 / 781-944-1765

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH PIAZZA

17 Entries

Tommy Piazza

October 3, 2024

Dad , missing you and your directional fortitude & advice for me and my family.
Thank you for your generosity of thought temperance & Love.

David S MacIntyre

January 18, 2023

I humbly had the privilege to call him my friend and mentor. Once again, I offer my deepest condolences to the whole of the Piazza family on this sad 2nd anniversary of Joey's untimely passing. When I reflect on the times I spent with him and his family over the years, I often recall the insightful words of Stephen Grellet, "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." This is exactly how Joey Piazza lived his live and how he treated one and all alike, with an open hand and generous heart. He made the most of every moment, and we are all the poorer without him.

Thomas J Piazza

January 16, 2023

Cant believe it has only been 2 years Dad when I think of you so often it feels like just yesterday. Every ride home from work at the underpass in Lynnfield , I get the inclination to just drop by the house and check in and share the latest news. I miss you Mom and Jay everyday. I am more appreciative as time goes by just how well you set us on a course for success and how a Gentile and Generous man would handle his family as well as day to day life showing us by example " how to take the high road". Missing you and thanking you now and forever, love you Dad!
Tommy

Thomas J Piazza

January 17, 2022

Miss you every day Dad.

Love, Nancy and Patrick Evanko

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Western Harvest Team

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Debbie Dow

January 25, 2021

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
A man with experience like Joe will be missed by all.

Christiane Begin

January 25, 2021

Joe was a great human being, so generous of is time and is advice.
I had the chance to meet him in Boston many years ago with my cousin Ghislain, I will always remember this man, whom was such a gentleman.
All my condolences to the family and all members of Community Suffolk enterprise.
Joe will always stay and be a part of Western Harvest history through the years...
Chris from Western Harvest

Jackie Piazza

January 24, 2021

One of the most intelligent, humble,generous humans on earth.
He was cool.
He understood any situation and gave the best advice ,always.....
Thank you dad for teaching us your your work ethics, and how to love our family and treasure both,without saying a word.
Thank you for your Love of music especially Ray Charles and your little jigs in the kitchen and snap in those fingers..
No one could roll those dice,nor buy celery the way papa did.
He was genuine.
One of a kind.
We love you papa- may you Rest In Peace...

Suzette Bergeron

January 24, 2021

Uncle Joey always, ALWAYS, had a smile for me - he was a special man. Sending so much love to my cousins and their families and all who loved him. xoxo Suzette

Gianna Piazza

January 24, 2021

Thank you for being the best Mentor, the best Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and so much more- to so so many. You showed us what true love really was. Not a day will go by where you aren’t remembered. Up until your last breath, you would always start off a conversation with me by saying, “How’s the lime market today?” And I would be so eager to tell you how I was doing. Thank you for listening. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for showing me what true love is, and most importantly, thank you for introducing me to doing what I love most- the produce business!!!!! 4th generation strong .... this one is for you, Papa Joe! I love you more than words, I know you’ll be watching me kill it from up there!!!! Give Grandma Rita, Uncle Jay, and Uncle Gene a big big hug and kiss from me. I love you all so so much, my heart is happy you are all together again. ❤ I love you Papa R. I. P.

Mike Casey

January 24, 2021

Mr. Piazza,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USAF in Europe during the Cold War. Millions of Americans slept safe at night because you and your fellow Servicemen stood ready to defend our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Steven

January 23, 2021

A life well lived. Husband, father, mentor and a giving soul. Thanks for everything Dad. Rest In Peace knowing your legacy lives in all you touched. Give Mom and Jay a kiss for us. Love you.