Jennie Marie Piazza

Jennie Marie Ermie Piazza, known to some as “Connie,” peacefully left this world surrounded by her loving family on January 25, 2023 in Huntington Beach, California.

Born of Italian immigrants on February 21, 1934 in Gloversville, New York, she was known for her love of life, music, art and her faith.  As a young woman, following her graduation from Gloversville High School, she became the first woman in her family to seek a college education, obtaining a degree in art from Nazareth College, obtained a Master’s degree at St. Rose College and to spend the wealth of her career in the Johnstown, New York Public School District.  She was also known for her role as an organist at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, her work in making religious banners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and she was sought out for her work in calligraphy. 

Following her graduation from Nazareth College, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study art in Italy.  While art was her first love, she deferred the award, accepting the hand of the love of her life, Roy Piazza of Gloversville, New York.  The couple fell in love, were married in 1959 and went on to have three loving children.  In retirement, they moved to Laguna Woods, California.

Jennie is pre-deceased by her parents Angelo and Emily Ermie and siblings Eleanor Russo, Doris Ermie, Achilles (“Chuck”) Ermie and Eugene Ermie.  She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roy C Piazza of Huntington Beach, CA; her children and respective spouses Christopher J Piazza and wife Patricia (Wisnewski) of Wall Township, NJ; Jennifer M Rello and husband John of Huntington Beach, CA; Joseph Piazza and husband Christopher Miller of Palm Springs, CA.  She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. (PST), January 30, 2023 at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, CA.  Visiting hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2023 at Dilday Funeral Home in Huntington Beach, CA.  A memorial service and burial will take place in Johnstown, New York in the spring at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family recommends a donation be made in her name to Catholic Charities of Orange County or the Alzheimer’s Association.