Mark Piazza
Bethalto |
Mark V. Piazza, 63, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on February 23, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Mark's spirited expressions, stories, and movie quotes will always be remembered by his family and friends.
Mark was born on June 7, 1960 in Alton, the son of Andrew and Judy (Ruyle) Piazza.
He married Pam Short on May 2, 1981 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wood River. In 2021, they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, this May would have marked their 43rd.
Mark and Pam met while still in high school, and later attended senior prom together in 1980. The Piazzas' and Shorts' were close, before and after Mark and Pam tied the knot. In fact, Pam's father, Bill delivered bread to Thriftway Foods, the store owned by Mark's mother and father.
During and after high school, Mark would as a grocer in the family business, Thiftway Foods in Bethalto. He went on to attend meat cutting school in Ohio, and later returned to the area to work at Thriftway Foods before acquiring the Worden Food Market in Worden, IL from his mother, after his father passed. Here, he worked as a successful business owner and butcher for over 20 years until the store was sold in 2013.
Mark was a charismatic person with many strong relationships throughout his life. He maintained life-long friendships from high school, Nautilus Fitness Club in Alton, Worden Food Market, as well as close relationships with his five brothers and sisters, his two sons, and the Short family.
In addition to his wife, Pam, and his mother, Judy, Mark is survived by his two sons, Kyle (Mandi) Piazza of Godfrey, Vincent (Jenna) Piazza of Edwardsville; two brothers, Anthony "Tony" (Sue) Piazza of Alton, Matt (Trisha) Piazza of Creve Coeur, MO; three sisters, Rhonda Piazza of O'Fallon, MO, Therese (Pat) Silvey of East Alton; Gina (Chuck) Beam of Clute, TX; nine grandchildren, Rachel Piazza, Hunter Janvrin, Abby Piazza, Brody Janvrin, Lexi Piazza, Allegra Piazza, Luca Piazza, Giuliana Piazza, and Matteo Piazza; many nieces and nephews; and will be sadly missed by his loyal companion, "Chigger".
He was preceded in death by his father, Andy.
Visitation will be from 1 pm until time of service at 3 pm, Thursday, February 29 at First Christian Church in Wood River. Walter McCaslin will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to be made to Pam Piazza to help offset the costs associated with the arrangements, which include his wishes to have his body donated to science and his brain donated to the Brain Support Network.
Mark's Mortuary
