In Memorium: John Piazza, veteran and philanthropist

     It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and veteran John J. Piazza Sr. on October 3, 2016 after a long illness and a courageous battle.
 
     John created and supported a number of veteran’s charities.  John possessed one of the largest private collections of Military Memorabilia in Florida that he later used to found the Armed Forces History Museum, in Largo, Florida.  We were honored to be able to lend support to this great organization that honors our military.  John was also the Founder and President of The Injured Warriors Fund of Florida that provides housing support for Marines and their families. John was also Chairman of the Dept. of FL Marine Corps League Scholarship Fund and Commandant of the Morris Dixon Detachment 54, Marine Corps League.

     John was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on December 2, 1938. His Parents, Marie Facchiano Piazza and Dr. Salvatore Joseph Piazza, M.D eventually moved their family to upstate New York.  In 1956, John joined the Marine Corp. John then married his wife Rosemary Enzinna on February 27, 1960. Soon after, the newlyweds started a family – a very large family. During the early days of marriage John operated a large farm in New Fane, NY, he was a Deputy Sheriff of Niagara County, NY, and owned and operated the Showboat Restaurant in Buffalo, NY.  John later opened Senior Meadows Assisted Living of Lockport, NY in 1965. John and Rosemary moved their family to Florida in 1975 where he continued to grow and operate one of the country’s largest Assisted Living and Home Health Care Companies. John is known as a Pioneer in the Assisted Living Facility industry.  

     We were fortunate to know John and to support his charitable work in the community.  He was an inspiration to all in both his generosity and kind spirit.  He will forever serve as the standard for service to the community in general and veterans in particular.

      Visitation will be 3:00pm-7:00pm Friday Oct. 7th at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd. Largo, FL 33774. Funeral Mass will be 12:00 pm Sat Oct 8th at Blessed Sacrament Church, 11565 66th Ave. Seminole, FL. 33772. Public Celebration will be held at the Armed Forces History Museum, 2050 34th Way North, Largo, FL. 33771 at a date to be announced. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://shop.stjude.org, donors@stjude.org.