Joseph R. Piazza Sr.

Joseph Piazza 1935 – 2021, aged 85 years

Joseph Piazza of Lynnfield, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on January 19,2021. Joseph (Joe) was born in Boston, Massachusetts 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 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 is 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 http://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 https://chelseajewish.org