Charles Thomas Piazza
I'll find you in the morning sun and when the night is new. I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you
Charles Thomas Piazza, Sr., affectionately known to all as “Papa” passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 85. His courageous battle with medical issues in recent years showed unwavering strength, determination, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. He always trusted in God’s great plan and knew that he if he walked with hope in his heart he’d never walk alone.
A man of faith and sportsman through and through, Chuck took pride in being a man of Benedictine (his alma mater) where he was inducted into the 2002 Hall of Fame for his exemplary involvement in wrestling, baseball, and football. In addition to being named Athlete of the Year in 1955, he also holds the title of being the only Benedictine athlete to place in the top 4 in the State Wrestling Championship three years in a row. In 1955, he was named All-City catcher by the Cleveland News.
After high school, Chuck went to Kent State University for 2 years where he played football and wrestled. He studied business, but driving home one day, he passed a tradesman wearing coveralls and realized his heart wasn’t in business, it was in the trades. So, he went on to become a carpenter—a profession he worked in for over 45 years. In 1986, he was honored with the Excellence in Craftsmanship Award by the Cleveland Builders Exchange for his carpentry skill. He had a second career as a hair stylist and owned two barbershops with his dad, Joe.
He was the beloved husband of 43 years to the love of his life, Janice (nee Kinkela); loving son of the late Joseph and Santina Piazza; cherished brother of the late Pete (Carol) Piazza and Joseph (Paula) Piazza; the most incredible father to Chuck (Cherie) Piazza, Tom (Liese) Piazza, Michael (Lori) Piazza, and Maria (Kamil) Drutel; adored grandpa of Laura, Brandon, Tommy, Brian, Michael, Nicholas, and Charlie; Cherished great-grandpa to Danica, Dawson, Nolan and Declan; and, just an all-around wonderful friend to many.
Charles’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Charles’s 49 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Charles.
Pope Benedict's First Blessing
Gondola Ride Through Venice
A Dance in Tuscany
The world Charles knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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