Dedicated family man worked in produce business
Published January 27, 2021
LYNNFIELD — Joseph Piazza, 86, of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, 2021.
Joe was born in Boston to Lawrence P. Piazza and Anna Boudris in 1935. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1954, and went on to graduate with distinction from the Babson Institute of Business Administration 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. The business was owned by his father, Larry, who was 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 that is going on four. As a leader within the produce industry from the mid-1960s through 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, which was 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, which inspired and contributed 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; and Jackie and his wife Renee. Fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive Joseph.
Joe adored Rita. 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, 335 Park St., North Reading. People can visit and leave remembrances of Joseph in the guestbook at https://www.cotafuneralhomes.com/. If desired, donations in honor of Joe’s memory can made be made to The Leonard Florence Center for Living, 165 Captains Row Chelsea MA, 02150 or by visiting https://chelseajewish.org.
