Our father, our family leader, doting husband of 53 years and friend to many, has left this world to begin his infinite journey with Christ on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
Terry Gene Piazza was born to Albino and Pat Piazza January 22, 1943, in Lodi. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie (Hoffman) Piazza and together they raised their children Shaun, Mike and Shannon. Loyal to a fault, he lived out his life code of ethics; God, Family and Country. Although proud of his Italian heritage, our father was a patriot, he loved our country and the opportunities this country provided. He believed with hard work, you could achieve anything. With the strength of our mom next to him, he achieved many of his early goals.
After graduating from Lodi High with a full scholarship to play football at Utah State University, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Sacramento State. Working for Bechtol Engineering in San Francisco, he decided Lodi was the place to return to for he and mom to raise a family. In Lodi, they started American Engineering, later becoming a partner in Baumbach and Piazza Inc. Civil Engineer. With honorable and cherished partners, they built a thriving business. Upon retirement, he was proud of the men who continued to run the business with the same values in mind.
In retirement he discovered the joys of golf and participating in his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives. He loved his grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. We too were proud in our Dad’s accomplishments, honor and dignity. He was an inductee in the Lodi High Sports Hall of Fame, and Lodi District Chamber of Commerce Sports Hall of Fame, special honors 1960 Lodi High Football team, was a leader in a very successful business for over 30 years, faithful husband and a role model for his kids, grand kids and great grand kids. We saw that those he called friends were deeply valued and, in most cases, lifelong companions.
To his many friends, we know who you are, we thank you for making his life one filled with great memories.
A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will said at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 25 at The Donahue Funeral Home. Reception to follow.
Memorial Service will be held at noon Friday, May 26 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.