Gerald Robert Piazza

Gerald Robert Piazza, Sr. entered eternal life peacefully on November 18, 2022 surrounded by family. Loving husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend to many of all ages. Survived by loving wife Marlys of 64 years, their six children and 14 grandchildren: Lisa Piazza Patin (Steve): Gabrielle, Nicolina, Steven “B”; Linda Piazza Harapan (Hendra), Angel Jessica and Jacqueline; Carla Piazza Marchio (Thomas), Gino, Francesco, Matteo; Jerry Piazza (Jenny), Gerald Robert III (Rob) and Lia; Gina Piazza Ward (Kevin), Juliana and Antonio; Jon Piazza (Leslie), Jack and Mike; niece Maria Ojile, nephew Bill (Diane) Ojile and family. Special friends, Skip Gunderson, Steve Zwack and his lifelong network of family and friends from far and wide, including Toronto and Sicily, Italy. A special blessing to Dr. Quirino Orlandi at Abbott Hospital and Elizabeth from Brighton Hospice for their kindness and care. Jerry was preceded in death by granddaughter Jessica Harapan, parents Dave and Providenza Piazza, brothers Gus, Sam, Joe and Richard Piazza, sister Bernadette “Dolly” Ojile and special cousin Vince DeLisi.

Jerry and his wife Marlys were proud owners of Piazza’s Ristorante in Golden Valley. Established in 1985, Piazza’s was a Minneapolis favorite known for its legendary sauce and Sicilian menu featuring fresh produce from his beloved vegetable garden. A lifelong member of the Basilica, where he attended grade school, Jerry graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1950, playing on the 1948-49 championship football teams. He attended St. Thomas College and was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a proud member of the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing. Jerry enjoyed restoring anything from classic cars to furniture, a love he shared with his grandson Rob.

Mass of Christian Burial and Visitation at the Basilica of Saint Mary, 16th & Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Visitation 10am and mass 11am. For livestream of the service, please go to Mary.org.  Visitation at Gearty Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N @ Vicksburg Lane Tuesday, November 22, 4-7pm. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations preferred in memory of Jerry to the Basilica Landmark or Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing.