Tony was born in Chicago, IL on March 22nd, 1936, to Joseph and Josephine Piazza, joined by two younger sisters Alberta & Josephine. He married Patricia Ann Jaroszewski in 1960 (pre-deceased 2009). He is survived by his daughter Sharrol Ann Hanacek & husband Jeffrey & Michael Anthony Piazza and wife Wendy, and three grandchildren: Nicole, Austin & Rhiannon, one great granddaughter Kirra, and his fiance of more than 10 years Florence ‘Flo’ Green.
At the age of 17, he joined the Naval Reserve in Chicago and worked at Standard Oil as a file clerk in the traffic (logistics) department. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the US Navy, stationed in Treasure Island / San Francisco, CA on the USS Ajax, at the rank of Seaman 1st Class, rising to Petty Officer 3rd Class. His most cherished duty was being a Signalman, which included flag waving, and his primary port of call was Japan.
After his honorable discharge in 1958, he returned to civilian life and Standard Oil, working in the claims department, where he met his wife to be, Patricia. After their whirlwind romance, which included roller-skating and lots of movie dates, they were married on June 18th, 1960, in Chicago. They proceeded to build their dream home in the near Northwest Chicago suburb of Glenview, IL, where they raised their family for 23 years.
Tony moved the two of them down to Florida in 1986 because they were tired of the cold Chicago Winters, where they figured they’d live the empty nest lifestyle. Little did they know their two grown children would follow them to Orlando. In Florida, Tony was able to enjoy year-round gardening, many years of HOA & Casselberry Police volunteer work, as well as teaching Math Superstars in his grandchildren’s elementary school.
Tony had a diverse professional career, including work in a print shop and a butcher shop as a young man, and through the years working as an electrician, advancing to an electrical draftsman, eventually learning CAD (Computer Aided Design), culminating with work in Florida laying out the control panels for some of the Universal Studios Orlando rides.
His life passions included bowling, billiards, fishing, drawing, playing guitar, coaching baseball & basketball, baseball umpiring, gardening, woodworking, working on the computer, crossword & any word puzzle he could find, and, of course, spending time with his beloved grandchildren. In his day he thoroughly enjoyed a Southern Comfort Manhattan, or an ice-cold Miller Highlife.
Tony spent his golden years in Casselberry, Florida with his dear Flo, enjoying many hours of playing bridge, shooting pool, and just about any card game anyone would suggest.
He was the consummate family man, good neighbor, loyal companion, and loving father. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a fun-filled Nino, and kind and generous friend.
Tony Piazza’s Celebration of Life – Summerloch Green Community, Casselberry, FL 999 Mango Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707
Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Tony Piazza who passed away unexpectedly on April 28th, 2026, at the age of 90, due to complications arising from heart surgery. The celebration will be at the Summerloch Green main community clubhouse on Saturday, May 9th from 11:30am to 1:30pm. A light lunch will be catered by Mission Barbecue. We look forward to hearing any & all stories and memories his dear friends care to share.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity in Tony’s honor.
Previous Events
Celebration Of Life
9
May
999 Mango Drive
Casselberry, FL 32707
