Preston Piazza Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 18, 2013.

Preston Dante Piazza passed away peacefully on March 17, 2013, in the company of his family. He was a loving, faithful husband and father, and he will be dearly missed.

Preston was born August 16, 1949, to Benjamin Joseph Piazza, Sr. and Vivian McCrory Piazza. He grew up in Vicksburg and Jackson, graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1967. After studying at Mississippi State University, Preston served two years of active duty with the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in personnel administration in 1973. He married the love of his life, Kathryn Irene Ellis, on March 4, 1978. Preston established the department of human resources at River Oaks Hospital in 1981 and faithfully served there for 18 years. He received his MBA from Mississippi College in 1981. For the past 14 years, he has enjoyed working as the firm administrator at Wise Carter Child & Caraway, P.A. He was a member and officer of the local chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators.

Preston is remembered for his quiet, selfless servant hood, his witty sense of humor, and devotion to God and family. He served for six years as a Eucharistic minister with St. Richard Catholic Church, and later was involved with the Young Seekers Sunday School class at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. Preston was devoted to his community as a member of the Board of Directors of Magnolia Federal Credit Union since 1999. He was an active member of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Metro Jackson for over 10 years. He found great fulfillment in building numerous Habitat Houses to improve the Jackson community.

Preston is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathryn Ellis Piazza; two daughters: Laura Piazza Parks and Elizabeth Piazza Chase; two sons-in-law: John Light Parks and Daniel Jacob Chase; two brothers: Benjamin Joseph Piazza, Jr. and Michael Gerard Piazza; and one sister: Vijean Piazza Burden.

Mr. Piazza's funeral will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Visitations will be Tuesday, March 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, March 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Funeral arrangements are through Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, 350 High Street in Jackson.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Habitat for Humanity -Metro Jackson Area, Mississippi Blood Services, St. Richard's Catholic Church or to the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

March 12, 2024

Gerry Gray-Lewis

Dear family, again our sincere condolences for you as you mourn Dad and Preston, a good man we knew from St. Richards.
May perpetual light shine upon him.
Gerry and Vic

March 12, 2021

Donna Moore

Posted by Donna Moore

March 12, 2019

Friend

Ger and Vic Grsy-Lewis

Dear Kathy....blessing on this 6th yeat anniversary of your beloved Preston......it only now occurs to me that our Maura both died same year....weeks apart...we mutually were so overwhelmed it was difficult to reach beond our singular pain. Forgive!

This thurs 6:30pm Rev Chuck Poole pastor of Northminster Baptist Church will speak at St R bereavement group. He is a most gifted speaker and author. Please feel a warm welcome to attend. You will not be disappointed!

We send our faitful live!

March 12, 2019

Family

Bob and Paula Metzger

Preston was a quiet and calm presence in an otherwise often hectic life. He lived for his family. God Bless his memory

June 17, 2013

Donna Moore

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. I am deeply saddened by Preston's passing. He was such a special man.

March 25, 2013

Peggy Bays Rowe

My condolences to The Piazza Family. May God's peace comfort you.

March 25, 2013

Marilyn Hughes

Kathy,
I am just finding out about Preston's passing. I am so sorry that I did not know before now. Although I never knew Preston, I feel like I did know him through you. I will be praying for you and your sweet daughters in the days ahead. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

March 22, 2013

Mandy Dickerson

Dearest Piazza ladies,
Some of my fondest memories include Mr. P and the entire Piazza family - Friday nights at Mazzio's, football games, school functions, trips to Port Gibson, and many more. Mr. P was a kind, gentle, and patient man. He will be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers every day. It was an honor to be with you this week.

Mandy Dickerson

March 20, 2013

Emily Hardison

Kathy, I worked many years at River Oaks Hospital with Preston. When the new hospital opened, Preston and I began our orientation together, he as the Personal Director and me as the Nursing Supervisor. Preston was such a great Director of Personal. He had such a calm and caring attitude toward any problem or person discussed and I called upon him often, not only for his title but also I knew his decisions doing his job well were made after thoughtful prayer. He became my friend and even though we have been miles apart I still have that friendship in my heart. I know you will miss him so much here on earth, but I know for sure he was welcomed in heaven with open arms.

March 20, 2013

Emily Hardison

Dear Kathy and family
Preston and I began our first day at River Oaks together,he as first Human Resource Manager, and me as the first Nursing Supervisor. Our jobs were serious, but he made them rewarding as well as enjoyable. He was such a kind,caring and Christian man.I feel honored and blessed to have known and been his friend, though so many years ago. I know you will miss him dearly, but do know for sure, Preston was welcomed in heaven with open arms.

March 20, 2013

Jennifer Hollingsworth

I have worked with Preston for the past 17 years at Wise Carter - He was dear to all of us and will be missed greatly - my prayers and thoughts are with the family -

March 20, 2013

Catherine Spann

Kathy, I started at River Oaks Hospital as a volunteer the same year Preston started to work there. I remember him as a person always with a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed. You are in my prayers.

March 20, 2013

Darnell Adams Adams

Kathy you and your family will be in my prayers. I worked with Preston for 8 years here at Wise carter. He will be missed here. He had the kindest heart

March 20, 2013

Kathy Allison

Kathy and girls - I worked with Preston at River Oaks during the 90s. I always thought so much of him. He was a kind and good man. I am saddened by his passing from this earth but know that he is alive in heaven! My prayers are with you all.

March 20, 2013

Jenny W. Anding

Mike and I are deeply saddened over your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in peace, old friend!

March 19, 2013

Paul Barnes

I worked with Preston at Wise Carter for many years, and he was kind, caring and generous to everyone. I will miss him, and am so sorry I cannot be there in person to express my sympathy for your loss.

March 19, 2013

Dear Kathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls at this sad time. I am so sorry I was unaware of Preston's illness. I so remember Preston's sweet and gentle spirit. Sorry, I cannot be with you tomorrow but Bill will be with all of you.
Love,
Dot Reichle

March 19, 2013

I worked with Preston at Wise Carter. He hired me when I was going through a difficult time in my life and I will never forget him. I instantly knew what a kind and caring person he was. My prayers are with his family. He will
be missed by so many. May God be with
Preston's family in the days ahead.

Jane Shields, Flowood, MS

March 19, 2013

Mike Harmon

With fond memories from St. Joe.

March 19, 2013

Catherine Inzer

Dearest Kathy, Laura and Elizabeth....My heart is deeply saddened to learn of Preston's passing. You all remain in my constant thoughts and prayers. God bless each of you and your family as you journey through this most difficult of times. Rest in peace Preston. Love, Catherine Inzer

March 19, 2013

Dick Miller

Ben,
I was so sorry to hear about your brother Preston. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Dick Miller

March 19, 2013

Margo Goss

Dearest Family,
I am saddened by the news of Preston's passing. He was valiant in his health struggles & kind in his heart. He was a pleasure to work with. Know that the thoughts & prayers of many are with you now.
As a part of the Venture Technologies team,my sincere condolences.

March 19, 2013

Nancy Turner

I worked with Preston at Wise Carter for the past 13 years. He will be missed at the office. My prayers are with his family.

March 19, 2013

Kathy and girls,
Along with my deepest sympathy, I send you my prayers. I can only say that I have been where you are today and remember the feeling of the vacant space in my heart. Do not go through this alone, you have many friends and your family to lean on. Absorb the love and prayers they are giving you.
Along with God's blessing you will havae the strength to go on.
My prayers are with you,
Joan Elmerick Powell

March 19, 2013

Robert Wise

He was a good friend and colleague. I will certainly miss Preston. Robert Wise

March 19, 2013

virgil carter

Kathy so sorry to hear of prestons passing, your will always be in our prayers

March 19, 2013

Marianna White

Dear Kathy,
Bill & I send our deepest condolences in the passing of Preston. We have so many beautiful memories of our younger days when we all seemed to have more time to spend together. Preston was such a delight to be around and we can thank God for allowing us to be in his company. Know that you, the girls and family will be in our thoughts & prayers in the days ahead. May God bless you all.
Marianna & Bill White

March 19, 2013

Steve and Nancy Riley

Kathy and the girls,
You are in our hearts and prayers. Preston was one of my favorite people in our St. Joe class of 67.

March 19, 2013

Wayne and Nancy Gilbert

Kathy and Family, Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Preston ! What a gallant battle he waged against the war of cancer. He fought the good fight, kept the faith and persevered in dire circumstances, until the end. It blessed Wayne SO much to be able to talk to him a few weeks ago when they were both at MDA in Houston. You all have been in our prayers for a long time. May God bring comfort to your hearts knowing that a Loving Father has welcomed him HOME, and that he is sitting at the feet of our Lord and Great Physician, Jesus, in Amazing Awe and Glory - no longer sick or in pain or suffering ! AMEN ! We will continue to pray for God's healing power and comfort for you and the family ! Love, Wayne and Nancy Gilbert

March 19, 2013

Piazza Family,

May God be with each of you during this time and please know you are in my prayers. Preston was a wonderful and kind person and will be greatly missed. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his kindness and friendship he gave my son John.

Terri Carroll
Fox Everett

March 19, 2013

Vic & Gerry Gray-Lewis

Dear Kathy and Girls,
We send you all our heartfelt sorrow for the very sad parting with your huband and daddy....we have always felt a deep gratitude for Preston's "legendary service" and integrity at River Oaks. We too will offer prayers and Masses in all your behalf. Eternal light shine upon him.
Our faitful love,
Gerry & Vic Gray-Lewis

March 19, 2013

Jim Hazlitt

As one our classmates at St. Joe mentioned in an email - Preston was one of the "good guys" - I remember him as having somewhat of a quite nature but certainly a friend to all - he is on a new journey now being with God and the Angels - May God bless him and his family.

March 19, 2013

Ayn Reed

Vijean, I am so sorry to hear about Preston. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and watch over you all at this very difficult time. Love ya. Ayn

March 19, 2013

Kim Boyd

Preston was wonderful to work with. I will continue to pray for his family in this time of sadness.

March 18, 2013

Paul & M'Lou Rossie

We will always remember Preston as a wonderful friend, husband and father. Our whole family sends love and prayers to all of his family.

March 18, 2013

Peggy McLain

We have heavy hearts at Wise Carter today as we come to terms with losing Preston. He was such a special person to us. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to his family in this difficult time. May you find peace.

March 18, 2013

Sandy Supinger

It is with much sadness to hear about Preston, and Bob and I want to let you know Kathy that you all are in our prayers. Preston and I started at near the same time at River Oaks. It was a great pleasure to have worked with him.

March 18, 2013

The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

March 18, 2013

Brenda Hocutt

Preston always gave his best in this world and I know that his rewards are great in Heaven. He was a true gentleman, yet he had a warrior's heart as he battled this illness. He ran the race put before him and fought hard. We left here are hurting but we know he is healed and happy in the presence of the Lord. We at Wise Carter are praying for his family, for peace and grace through this time of grieving.

March 18, 2013

Beth Hipps

I worked with Preston at Wise Carter and he will be dearly missed. My prayers are with his family.

March 18, 2013

Martha Denny

Vijean and Janine, we are so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him. He sounds like a wonderful man. If we can do anything to help, we are just a call away. Martha and Bob Denny

March 18, 2013

George Piazza

very sorry to hear of Prestons passing. I only wish that we would have seen much more of each other over the years.

March 18, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Preston will be greatly missed. Willie Rainer

March 18, 2013

Bobbette (Seater) Davis

It is with great sadness to learn of Preston's passing, and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you, Kathy, the girls, and the rest of the family. I worked with Preston at River Oaks. While there is so little anyone can say by way of comfort at such a time, still, I wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

March 18, 2013

Ruth Shumaker

A wonderful spiritual man. I worked with Preston when River Oaks opened. He was a kind and lovely man who loved his church, wife and family.

Posted by Ruth Shumaker

March 18, 2013

Bob and Paula Metzger

Kathy: I am so glad I could be with you and Preston at the Magnolia Annual Meeting. Paula and I will be with you and we have alerted all the other cousins. Much Love to you and your lovely daughters.

March 18, 2013

Mrs. Piazza:

I worked with Preston at Wise Carter for years, and he was always so very caring and understanding. He will truly be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time!!
~ Michele Harrell, Tupelo, Mississippi

March 18, 2013

Kathy,
Karen and I are so saddened to hear about Prestons' passing. We have so many great memories of him and you. Please know we will be praying for you and your family. We will have a Perpetual Mass started for him right away. God Bless.
Derrick and Karen

March 18, 2013

Pam Clark

We are deeply saddened today by Preston's passing. It is very quiet here at Wise Carter and it will not be the same without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family and friends. May peace and comfort be with you.

March 18, 2013

Sandy Russell

Preston was such a sweet and caring man. Words cannot express the sadness and emptiness that we all feel here at Wise Carter. We are all going to miss him so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time and the days ahead. Rest in peace Preston.

March 18, 2013

Wendy & Paul Cartwright

Kathy, you and the girls are in our prayers. Preston fought a long hard fight and his pain is now gone.

March 18, 2013

Nikki Huffman

Kathy, you know that I simply adored Preston and always appreciated his wit and charm and the hard work he put in for us on the Coast. I pray that you, your daughters, and the rest of your family find comfort in the memories you all shared and peace knowing that you and in the hearts and prayers of many. Preston's passing leaves a hole in the world. My love and prayers to you always.

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Funeral services provided by:

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350 High Street, Jackson, MS 392020409

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